THE PROTAGONISM OF WOMEN AND THE PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH FROM EMATER/RS-ASCAR'S RURAL EXTENSION WORK WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS OF RURAL WOMEN

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze what are the main activities developed in rural women's groups based on the work of Emater/RS-ASCAR and whether these activities promote the participants' mental health. This research had the participation of 10 professionals from Emater/RS-ASCAR who occupy the position of regional social technical assistant in eight regions of the state (Frederico Westphalen, Ijuí, Lajeado, Passo Fundo, Pelotas, Porto Alegre, Santa Rosa and Soledade). The methodology used to accomplish this research was the qualitative method of content analysis of the information obtained in the interviews with the participants. According to the results, it was observed that the main activities developed are: food security and sovereignty, rural crafts and bioactive plants. As the research shows, it is noted that these activities promote women's mental health from group meetings, which can be characterized as therapeutic spaces to work on issues related to well-being, involving the theme of mental health as an element of quality of life for rural women.