Women settled in rural areas: places allocated and conquered spaces

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of women in rural settlements located within the region of Araraquara and Pontal do Paranapanema town in the state of São Paulo and its purpose is to explore similarities and differences between gender relations. It is highlighted the significant role played by these rural women within their families, households, and on their own plot of land in the food growing activities. Likewise, it is emphasized their diversity in position and power and these views have been reinforced their struggle and claims to win a space in the public sphere, giving a stronger priority for analysis and development strategies for families settled in every region, in accordance with the stress plan technique. In addition, special attention was drawn to women’s place in the rural gender system in terms of division of labor, creating sociability spaces as well as contributing to agricultural diversification. Furthermore, opportunities and controversies in public policies that are pertinent to rural women are also evaluated. This article investigates the major steps from the settled women’s need as a political subject.