Mulheres na agroecologia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro: protagonismo, autonomia e geração de renda

Abstract

Rural women are undervalued by society and face difficulties arising both from the condition of family farming in relation to society and from patriarchal family relationships with their husbands, parents and other people. This study investigates how agroecology is a key contributor source of income generation and their emancipation, building higher levels of autonomy and, consequently, reducing the dependence and power relations generated by patriarchy. Within this scenario, in the present this work is proposed to analyse the action of women in agroecology in the state of Rio de Janeiro through the evaluation of the performance and organization of these women through the work carried out in the productive collective Empório da Chaya, as well as the Articulation of Agroecology of Rio de Janeiro (AARJ). The organization of these female farmers through a collective, even when it does not promote a significant income generation to the budget of these women, encourages their strengthening as women and workers, causing several changes in their social and political autonomy, making them occupy public spaces, awakening their self-esteem, developing other skills and put them in a place other than the role that many previously held as housewives limited to the domestic environment. In addition, the organization of women farmers through the AARJ Women Working Group has enabled these women to be empowered and inspired to fight for their rights to access land; valuing your work; equity of rights between men and women; their physical, psychological and property security; among other relevant guidelines for women. Through the GT Women AARJ, its members encourage, help, exchange information, experiences, knowledge, creating an important space for safety, affection and care. Thus, it was possible to verify that Agroecology allows space for women to organize themselves, experience their knowledge and be more valued and recognized as farmers.