FLORES DA RESISTÊNCIA: O PROTAGONISMO DAS MULHERES NA FORMAÇÃO DOS ASSENTAMENTOS RURAIS DE BATAYPORÃ – MS

Abstract

This study explores the female protagonism in the formation of the São Luiz, São João, and Mercedina rural settlement projects (PAS) in Batayporã, Mato Grosso do Sul, highlighting the historiographical invisibility of these women, despite their central role in community organization and land struggles. Based on qualitative methodology and oral history, the research examines the experiences of socially and politically active women, revealing their contributions to land struggles and rural transformation. The study emphasizes how these women challenged patriarchal norms, balancing agricultural work, domestic tasks, and leadership roles. It also discusses the challenges faced during land occupations, such as precarious living conditions and overload of responsibilities. The collected narratives reveal strategies of resistance, rooted in solidarity and support networks, which were essential for survival and collective empowerment. The research further analyzes the economic participation of women, particularly in local markets, as a key factor in their autonomy and well-being. This involvement promoted a repositioning of decision-making power within families and communities, reaffirming their importance in local socio-economic development. The study contributes to recognizing rural women's role in official history, broadening the understanding of their actions and strengthening the fight for social justice and gender equality. It also emphasizes the need for public policies and initiatives that value these contributions and foster structural changes in rural areas.