Puccini Receives One of São Paulo’s Highest Honors for Women’s Advocacy.
Police Chief Juliana Puccini Receives the Ruth Cardoso Medal for Her Commitment to Women’s Rights
In a ceremony dedicated to honoring individuals whose work has transformed lives and strengthened citizenship, Police Chief Juliana Puccini was awarded the Ruth Cardoso Medal, a distinction granted by the State Council for the Status of Women of São Paulo. The event took place on Wednesday, June 10, at the Secretariat of Culture Auditorium within the Júlio Prestes Cultural Complex, bringing together public authorities, civil society representatives, and leaders committed to advancing women’s rights.
Established by State Decree No. 53,721/2008, the Ruth Cardoso Medal recognizes civilian and military personalities, as well as public and private institutions, that have distinguished themselves in the defense of women’s rights, the fight against violence against women, the promotion of gender equality, and the strengthening of public policies aimed at protecting and empowering women.
The award bears the name of Ruth Cardoso, an anthropologist, university professor, intellectual, and former First Lady of Brazil, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping social policies and advancing women’s causes throughout the country. Deeply engaged in the defense of women’s rights, she participated in the creation of the State Council for the Status of Women of São Paulo and became one of its most influential members.
Within this context, the recognition of Juliana Puccini represents a tribute to a lifetime devoted to public safety, civic education, and the unwavering defense of human rights.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Protection and Advocacy
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Legal Sciences from UNISAL, Juliana Puccini served as a Police Chief in the State of São Paulo from 1993 to 2020. Throughout her distinguished career, she focused primarily on combating violence against women, children, adolescents, and the elderly, becoming a respected figure in the protection of vulnerable populations.
Beyond her institutional duties, she has been widely recognized for her educational and social initiatives. Through lectures, awareness campaigns, and appearances on radio and television programs, she has become one of the leading voices promoting knowledge of rights, violence prevention, and women’s empowerment.
Her commitment to social transformation has earned her several distinctions, including the titles of Honorary Citizen of São José dos Campos, Mantiqueira Merit Award, and the Cassiano Ricardo Medal, reflecting her significant contributions to society.
Education and Information as Tools for Social Change
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juliana Puccini expanded her outreach efforts by creating “Descomplicando Direito com Jú” (Simplifying the Law with Jú), a project initially launched through social media platforms. Designed to democratize access to legal information, the initiative quickly gained public recognition and later evolved into a weekly radio program broadcast by Rádio Mantiqueira FM.
The project embodies one of her most important missions: making legal knowledge accessible to the general public, particularly women, thereby strengthening citizenship, awareness, and individual empowerment.
National Recognition and Institutional Legacy
In addition to her law enforcement career, Juliana Puccini has built a remarkable academic and cultural legacy. She is a member of several literary, scientific, and cultural academies, including the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts of São Paulo (ACLASP), the Academy of Letters of Brazil – São Paulo Chapter (ALB-SP), the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts of Police Chiefs of the State of São Paulo (ACADEPSP), the Brazilian Academy of Letters of Municipal Guards (ABLAGUAM), and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History and Literature (ABRASCI).
Her work has also been recognized by numerous institutions throughout Brazil. Among her distinctions are the Female Merit Award, Professional Merit Award, and Noble Ladies of São Paulo Award, all conferred at the rank of Dame Commander. She has also received the Brazilian Imperial Bicentennial Independence Medal, awarded by the Brazil Imperial Institute, as well as the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Diploma, the Bertha Lutz Diploma, and recognition from the International Red Cross.
More recently, she was honored with the United Nations 80th Anniversary Medal, the Miguel de Cervantes Medal, the Militi Ignoti Medal, and the Anita Garibaldi – Light of Freedom Medal, distinctions that acknowledge her enduring commitment to justice, citizenship, and human rights.
An activist, lecturer, and leading advocate in the fight against violence against women, children, adolescents, and the elderly, Juliana Puccini continues to inspire new generations through her efforts to promote awareness, protection, and social inclusion.
The awarding of the Ruth Cardoso Medal represents not only recognition of an outstanding individual career but also a tribute to a lifelong mission dedicated to building a safer, fairer, and more equitable society for women in Brazil.
