WOMEN AFFECTED BY MINING AND DAMS

IMPACTS AND RESISTANCE

Abstract

In the light of the theoretical framework of Socio-historical Psychology and Latin American Community Feminism, this study aimed to understand the psychosocial impacts experienced by women affected by mining and dams and the strategies of mobilization and territorial resistance adopted. Through the methodology of bibliographical research, this paper focus on a review of the pre-existing literature was carried out, in which it can be observed that in territories where mineral exploration takes place, women form the most vulnerable social group to multiple psychosocial, socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Black people, indigenous, quilombola, fishermen and peasant women are more susceptible to the loss of food sovereignty, with soil and water contamination by toxic waste; loss of work and income, and consequent impoverishment; change in their way of life, compulsory displacement and weakening of community ties. In addition to the increased burden of domestic work and care for family members, exposure to health problems typical of territories affected by megaprojects and patriarchal violence, with emphasis on domestic violence, sexual violence, prostitution and sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. Women are protagonists in resistance processes and environmental struggles in their communities of origin, make community mobilization strategies and take a stand against the capitalist economic development model based on the spoliation and commodification of nature.