Do jirau ao geral: mulheres nos sindicatos de trabalhadores rurais no Estado do Pará, Brasil

Abstract

This work analyzes the presence of women in the rural workers’ unions of the State of Pará. It considers the unionization of the rural workers in the region, focusing on the change in its profile over the past thirty years and highlighting the participation of women. The work is based on historical documents and interviews with different actors who occupied positions in the union movement at national, state and municipal levels. In total, fifteen interviews were conducted. Through considerations of the concept of gender, questions are raised on the information which could resolve the debates and opinions on the extent to which female involvement in union management has changed union practices. The research indicates directions for further consideration and the need for further studies. The deepening of the debate on gender within the union movement and the adoption of instruments to stimulate and secure participation has increased the number of women in the leadership of the union organizations of rural workers. This effort has not been sufficient to bring female presence to the same level as male participation, with women occupying positions of lower relevance in these organizations. The difficulties experienced by these women and the occurrence of old discriminatory practices are revealed. Finally, new proposals to be considered by the union organization of workers and rural workers are presented.