Historically, there is a pattern of human rights violations against less favored populations, who suffer daily from the precariousness of labor relations. However, women, already affected by the dominant gender inequality in our society and by the power relations that govern it, based on sexism, suffer even greater violations of their rights with the dam construction process. Thus, they are doubly affected, by patriarchy and by the dams. They feel the anguish over the uncertain future of their families, the increase in conflicts and violence, and the lack of recognition as interlocutors, since often their voices are not even heard, as companies are unwilling to listen to them. They are made invisible in most cases, as men take the lead in negotiation processes, without the participation of women.
Women’s empowerment involves guaranteeing information, training, and the construction of spaces where women feel included, both in discussions and in defining actions. However, and above all, these practices seek to combat sexism, patriarchy, and the commodification of women’s lives, rebuilding the value of respect and gender equality.
For ADAI, in all projects already developed and under development, the primary goal is to guarantee, through its actions, the equal participation of men, children, and women, with collective empowerment in decision-making. A concrete example has been the implementation of PAIS – Integrated and Sustainable Agroecological Production – which has enabled women to become active subjects in community processes, thus contributing to the creation of conditions for female emancipation and self-organization, as well as a source of income generation. Together with men, they help coordinate production groups, decide on actions, assist in networking, and contribute practically to the agroecological production of food.
