Relacões de género no acesso a terra na comunidade rural Samora Machel

Abstract

The present study addresses gender relations in access to land in the rural Samora community Machel, where we analyze the dynamics of power relations in the Agricultural Association Ex-miners (AEXMIN). The reason for this research lies in the fact that previous studies on the relations of gender and access to land, highlight the power of men and women relegated to a role subordinate. However, these studies ignored the power dynamics expressed in social networks where women hold power. The study was carried out in the Communal Neighborhood Samora Machel, Chibuto district, Gaza province, specifically at AEXMIN over a five-month interval, from July to December 2011. The data were collected and analyzed taking into account the qualitative approach. With regard to data collection techniques, semi-structured interviews and informal conversations were privileged, combined with direct observation on the ground and the recording of the information obtained. The data show that women are motivated to join AEXMIN with a view to creating a power of collective action through partnership, alliance and reciprocity relations for the defense of their lands against patriarchal and wealthy people; access to agrarian credit and the Right to Use and Enjoy the Land (DUAT). Furthermore, the data show that at AEXMIN new dynamics emerge in power relations, including negotiable power, where women negotiate with those of male members about agrarian resources; procedural power, women are adopted from knowledge about their rights to use and benefit from land. For this reason, the traditional power that is based on habit, custom, tradition evident in man, they through the associative skills gain the possibility of resist and negotiate with your partners (men). We conclude that AEXMIN has a dual function, the first showing that women are strategic agents where some of them exercise power, which allows them to improve their positions in the family and in the community. The second is the means by which it reinforces solidarity, fraternity, reciprocity and promoting the vision of collective power.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)