Fiar, tecer e resistir: a Organização das Mulheres Rendeiras frente a conflitos socioambientais no Assentamento Maceió – Itapipoca (CE).

Abstract

In this work, an interdisciplinary research project was carried out to analyze the organization of lacemaker women as a response to socio-environmental conflicts. To break down this aim, the following specific objectives were defined: to identify the socio-environmental conflicts in the Maceió Settlement; to discuss the relationship between gender and the environment; to characterize the women9s organization within the Maceió Settlement; to assess the relationship between these women and socio-environmental conflicts; and to highlight the significance of their organization and the experiences lived by and for these women in the context of these conflicts. The guiding research question adopted was: What does the organization of lacemaker women in the Maceió Settlement represent? The territorial base chosen was the Maceió community 4 part of the Federal Agrarian Reform Settlement Maceió 4 located in the municipality of Itapipoca, Ceará. In theoretical terms, the study fostered a dialogue between gender issues and environmental concerns, exploring the pathways of ecofeminism and environmental justice. Methodologically, the research approach was qualitative and exploratory, aiming to understand the meanings attributed by the subjects to the object of study. To compose the sample, it was decided to work with five lacemaker women. Data collection took place through bibliographic and documentary research, as well as field studies, using instruments such as field diary notes, audio recordings, participant observation, and semi-structured individual interviews with the study participants. Data analysis was conducted through qualitative discourse analysis, using an interpretivist perspective. Additionally, the ATLAS.ti desktop software was used as an important tool to help organize and process the collected data and information. Reflecting on the organization of the Maceió lacemakers in the face of conflicts that have shaped local narratives reveals that their mission goes beyond legitimizing women9s work. It leverages record-keeping and documentation as powerful tools to assert their identity and preserve the history of their craft. By recognizing them as key protagonists in a socio-environmental struggle, this perspective interweaves gender and environmental issues. Highlighting gender in socio-environmental discussions is crucial, as it is impossible to address environmental justice without considering the marginalization of women9s labor and the impacts of socio-environmental conflicts on the most vulnerable.