Brava: Culture Circle encourages women to empower themselves

The literacy coordination on Brava Island created a Culture Circle a few years ago, which has been empowering women, in addition to teaching them how to “transform garbage into luxury”.

Inforpress went to visit one of these Circles, in Mato, and the Literacy service coordinator, Vanusa Monteiro, explained that this is a project that aims to engage efforts not to let “culture die”, but also to give women an opportunity to “to do, know and share something different”.

According to the coordinator, in these Culture Circles, they “transform” materials that are often discarded into usable products, from plastic bottles, pots, pieces of fabric, among others.

But, he added, this Circle does not stop at transforming products.

According to those responsible, the women learn how to make and cover cakes, cut and sew, make some snacks, among other skills.

In addition to these aspects, he informed that there is another part in these circles, which gives "special" attention to the problems that plague society and that often affect the female layer, such as debates on Gender-Based Violence, alcoholism, drugs, among others. .

In addition to expanding their knowledge in matters of debate, Vanusa Monteiro commented that it is also a way for women to expose their views, without being judged or oppressed, as well as giving them an opportunity to narrow friendship circles.

Especially because, she emphasized that most of the women who participate in these activities are housewives, often heads of families.

In this space, in addition to learning how to make products, they have the opportunity to produce to sell and earn a living.

These women have already made products that were displayed at some fairs held on the island, giving visibility, a way of keeping them motivated and encouraging other women to be part of the group.

The Culture Circle is an ongoing project and currently has three circles, one in Mato, another in Mato Grande and Lém, with around 50 participants.

With the work done, Vanusa Monteiro asks the women who are already participating not to give up and those who are not yet part to try to participate, as it is a way for women to feel "appreciated", not least because, she pointed out, it is two o'clock, in the late afternoon, once a week.

In this Circle, women of different ages participate and say they feel “useful” and with broader horizons.

MC/JMV
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