(DIS)EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN THE STATE OF TOCANTINS THROUGH ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC RURAL CREDIT POLICY “PRONAF”

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the Pronaf rural credit program as an instrument for empowering rural women in the state of Tocantins. Pronaf Mulher contracts in different municipalities were developed from 2013 to 2020. The research problem was to understand how Pronaf acts as an agent of empowerment for rural women in Tocantins, including promoting their economic, political and social autonomy. The methodology used included the analysis of documents and interviews based on the Oral History proposal. The interviews were carried out in rural communities in Vale Verde and Três Lagoas, respectively. Data analysis was carried out based on a theoretical framework that considers theories of women's empowerment, including factors such as access to information, training and financial resources. The results demonstrated that Pronaf provided improvements in the economic, social, personal and political dimensions of rural women in Tocantins. However, the majority of people do not have access to rural credit, which indicates that the program only partially achieved its objectives. Access to financial resources was identified as a crucial factor in the economic empowerment of rural women, but they faced difficulties in obtaining credit. It is possible to conclude that it is necessary to expand access to information, training and financial resources to promote the empowerment of rural women in Tocantins and deal with differences in access to rural credit, taking into account the particularities of each region.