Mulheres, extrativismo e políticas públicas: uma análise a partir da trajetória da Associação Aroeira em Piaçabuçu, Alagoas

Abstract

The general objective of this research is to analyze the extractive activity carried out by women based on the trajectory of the Aroeira Association in Piaçabuçu, AL, in an articulated manner with the debate on public policies in the contemporary context, marked by the predominance of neoliberalism. The women of this association organized themselves based on a project to promote income generation through sustainable economic activities, financed by Petrobras. However, this project lasted a short time, leaving the group with many weaknesses. In this sense, it is considered pertinent to articulate the analysis of this organizational process of extractive women with the debate on public policies, seeking to highlight the potentialities and limitations that public policies can have, as well as to discuss the repercussions of the neoliberal macroeconomic context on the field of public policies. The discussion of public policies is also justified because, despite the economic potential of pink pepper for the rural community of Piaçabuçu, the extraction of red pepper is a seasonal activity, so the rural population of this location needs to develop other types of activities to diversify production and maintain income, as well as access public policies to ensure social reproduction. Regarding the methodological aspects, this research is based on the structuralist method, seeking to analyze causes and consequences of the processes studied. This is an explanatory study, anchored in a qualitative approach. The methodological procedures used were bibliographical research and documentary analysis on the proposed theme, as well as field research with interviews and observations in the women's workplaces. The results show the contribution of the associative work process to greater autonomy for women, especially in the economic aspect, as well as a concern of women with environmental issues and the expansion of political participation of some women. However, they also indicate the existence of limitations, since after the creation and initial support, the women had to continue the work alone amid many difficulties. It is important to note that although the aroeira is native to the region and has many therapeutic and gastronomic uses, pink pepper was not produced or consumed locally, and its production (processing), storage and marketing were new processes for women. Thus, the results show that the collective organization of the work of women extractivists has contributed above all in the economic and socio-environmental spheres: economically, women have been able to earn more income and this is reflected in greater female autonomy; and from a socio-environmental point of view, since the association, they have become concerned with the preservation of restinga areas, taking care to ensure the reforestation of riparian forests, avoid deforestation, and develop extractive activities without causing environmental damage. On the other hand, the research also points out that there is a lack of public policies aimed at women's extractive work. It finds that few policies have been implemented and are marked by fragmentation and discontinuity, which has contributed to extractivism, particularly that carried out by women, remaining a very vulnerable activity from a socioeconomic point of view, despite being of enormous socio-environmental relevance.