Mulheres Guarani e Kaiowa de Mato Grosso do Sul: atuações políticas que compõem a trajetória de luta pelo território (1970-2022)

Abstract

This thesis has analyzed the actions undertaken by Guarani and Kaiowa people in the process of fighting for their territories in Mato Grosso do Sul. The study reflects on the constitution of women’s movements in defense of tekoha, as well as the contributions of their actions in the daily lives of the communities in which they are inserted and the ones that need their work, paying particular attention to the dynamics used in the demand for respect for their territorial rights. Faced with disrespect and violation of their rights, the Guarani and Kaiowa developed confrontation and resistance strategies, which, at the same time as they served as alternative responses to the imposition of interests of the rural sectors of the surrounding society, also gave new meaning to their political actions inside and outside of their living spaces. In light of the challenges faced by territorial expropriation and attacks against demarcated territories, many Guarani and Kaiowa women approximated to facilitate actions in defense of their communities. Actions in the networks have promoted sharing of challenges and possibilities in this struggle. The movements in defense of tekoka were made up of people who had different experiences, which provided dynamism in collective organizations. Considering this, we seek to investigate and understand the dynamics of Guarani and Kaiowa activities and highlight the leading role of these women in claiming the territory of traditional occupation, a geographic space that combines fundamental socio-historical dimensions for these communities. Through ethno historical research, we present facts that highlight the work of leaders, prayers, teachers, among others in the search for the guarantee, permanence and enforcement of their territorial rights, which corroborates the thesis that the Guarani and Kaiowa have always been active in movements to defend their territories, developing important fighting strategies. For this purpose, the research was based on different sources, such as official documents from various institutions and documents produced by printed and online media, as well as oral and ethnographic sources that enabled the analysis of facts concerning the struggle for tekoha.