Onde a chama não se apaga: trajetórias femininas no Projeto Jovem Brigadista de Valor do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Ceará

Abstract

This dissertation aims to evaluate, from a feminist and autoethnographic perspective, the social project Jovem Brigadista de Valor (JBV), developed by the Military Fire Department of Ceará (CBMCE), with emphasis on the participation and empowerment of girls in the militarized environment of the project. The research stems from the author's personal experience as a CBMCE officer, intertwining her life story with fieldwork that includes participant observation, semi-structured interviews with instructors, and focus groups with female students from the Centro and Mucuripe units in Fortaleza, Brazil. The analysis integrates contemporary gender theories, intersectionality, and female leadership in traditionally male institutions. The findings highlight the transformative impact of the JBV on adolescent participants, especially in strengthening self-esteem, autonomy, and career aspirations in spaces historically restrictive to women. The study also exposes symbolic and structural barriers that persist within military institutions and underscores the importance of public policies that promote gender equity and real opportunities for girls in vulnerable situations.