Mulheres camponesas alagoanas: o imbricar dos sonhos nas lutas por direitos em uma mística da educação popular

Abstract

This dissertation examines the leadership of women from Alagoas in social organization and political struggles, focusing on the intersection of action research and popular education. The investigation is grounded in human and social sciences, engaging in dialogue with Popular Peasant Feminism, developed by the Movement of Peasant Women, and highlights formative and organizational practices aimed at social transformation. Action research is adopted as the methodological approach, emphasizing active participation, attentive listening, and horizontal dialogue, which enables collective knowledge-building and connects academic and popular wisdom. Popular education serves as the theoretical-methodological framework, guiding critical and emancipatory formative processes. The historical processes of women's organization in Alagoas are brought to light, with special attention to the work of collectives, associations, and networks in constructing strategies to combat gender, class, and territorial inequalities. The analysis explores the central role of women's participation in knowledge production and the significance of mystique as a pedagogical and mobilizing dimension, linking spirituality, culture, and social struggle to strengthen collective bonds and senses of belonging. The systematization of narratives and experiences reveals the diversity of trajectories, challenges faced, and collectively built strategies of resistance, emphasizing intersectionality as a key interpretative lens. Furthermore, the potential of educational practices developed within social movements—such as assemblies, workshops, and training spaces—is discussed in terms of strengthening female leadership, autonomy, and the construction of collective knowledge. The analysis suggests that the interplay of action research, popular education, and revolutionary mystique contributes to critical formation processes and the development of more just social alternatives. The study concludes by underscoring the need to expand support networks, deepen formative processes, and reinforce collective action among women from Alagoas.