Mulheres na transição energética : o papel e as implicações socioambientais da participação feminina em parques eólicos e usinas solares de geração centralizada

Abstract

The discussion about renewable electricity generation methods has gained prominence both in the academic community and in rural areas. However, the transition to these sources tends to deepen preexisting social inequalities, especially regarding women and the Black population. These dynamics occur within a context of class domination and intersectional oppression, which more intensely affect territories and women in situations of social and racial vulnerability. This study analyzed the role of rural women in the context of the energy transition in the municipality of Cuité, in the state of Paraíba, focusing on women farmers from the communities of Brandões and Bom Bocadinho. The research adopts a gender perspective and employs a qualitative approach, based on a literature review and exploratory and descriptive fieldwork. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women farmers between December 2023 and May 2024, in addition to participant observation in events and collective spaces. The data highlighted the effects of the implementation of renewable energy projects on the daily lives of these women, revealing work overload, social invisibility, a lack of technical training, and barriers to accessing information. On the other hand, forms of resistance and community organization were also observed. Participation in the Women's March for Life and Agroecology, held in Areial (PB), was an example of mobilization that emphasized the importance of preserving the Caatinga and resisting centralized energy models that disregard peasant territories. On-site observations revealed a routine marked by the accumulation of agricultural tasks, domestic care, and political engagement, outlining a scenario of resilience. The research concludes that although renewable energy offers environmental and economic benefits, its implementation must consider the socio-environmental impacts on local communities, incorporating an intersectional analysis of gender and race. Valuing traditional knowledge, strengthening agroecology, and promoting inclusive public policies are fundamental strategies to ensure social justice and the active participation of women in decision-making processes related to territory and energy.