Women empowered by Brazil's family grant scheme

Granting independence: The Bolsa Familia programme allows women more decision making power.(Chloe Elmer/Penn State University/MCT)

The Bolsa Familia (Family Grant) poverty relief programme gives women in Brazil greater freedom and independence.

MARIA da Paz and her three daughters live high on the slopes of Rocinha, just beyond the boundary line between Rio de Janeiro’s biggest favela and the world’s largest urban forest.