Since the beginning of the last century, March 8th has been more than a commemorative date for women: it is a time to raise important political, economic and social demands. In fact, gender inequalities are not a recent phenomenon, and for this reason the manifestations motivated by unfair realities did not start yesterday either.
To echo the trajectories of women who play an active role in the transformation of their communities, from neighborhoods to churches, ISER launches today the campaign It's their place. During the month of March, interviews will be published with leaders of the program's condominiums “Minha Casa, Minha Vida”, whose social work is the responsibility of ISER, in addition to an article on the advances and challenges of women within their religions.
Even acting in different contexts, they have points in common: they articulate people, produce activities and welcome those who share their daily lives. “This construction turns out to be organic and spontaneous and reflects the social role of caregivers that women play, especially in contexts where public institutions are so silent”, highlights Priscila Oliveira, project manager.
Although many of the women do not see themselves as leaders, they are recognized as such by the residential neighbors or church colleagues. An example is the first resident interviewed, Nathalia Lopes, 25 years old. “I met people I never thought would have any relationship, some even come to vent to me. I think my relationship is great”, he acknowledges.
Check out Nathalia's trajectory on Instagram
“Even without seeing themselves as leaders, women stand out in terms of cooperation and mobilization. The names came up when we looked for people who were articulate, communicative and interested in what happens in their locality”, explains Priscila Oliveira. In fact, identifying people who become social references in an organic way is one of the main community strengthening actions.
She says that the action has generated hope and excitement among the other residents and is one of the main positive impacts of the ISER's Social Work. “In the case of women, in addition to providing them with opportunities to carry out their articulations and mobilizations in a professional and remunerative manner, we invest in activities that demonstrate the importance, effectiveness and power of their community contributions”.
Community strengthening in condominiums
ISER develops Social Work in four condominiums of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program, three of them in the city of Belford Roxo and one in Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Among the project's main objectives is to improve the quality of life of residents of condominiums, by strengthening their capacity for community mobilization and organization, promoting their socio-economic development and expanding socio-environmental and heritage education.
Priscila Oliveira reinforces that, among the activities foreseen in the Social Work, are the identification of organic leaders, the construction of local mobilization and deliberation groups, the articulation of claims with public institutions, the establishment of partnerships with civil organizations, in addition to actions training.
Learn more about the project developed by ISER
By Julia Boardman