Mulher em situação de rua: narrativa das variadas formas de viver e resistir na estruturação de territórios invisíveis na cidade de Salvador, Bahia.

Abstract

This research investigates the narratives experienced by homeless women, crossed by the intersectionality of gender and race markers. The objectives of this study are to analyze, from the perspective of these women, the effectiveness of Public Policies in the street scenario; to interpret, based on their experiences, the understanding of homeless women about gender and race markers; and to broaden the readings on the construction of gender relations established in the street territory. The methodological approach was the analysis of trajectories and participant observation, and the analytical method adopted was content analysis articulated to the core of meanings. Women participated in the research, in diverse situations of living on the streets, with ages ranging from 32 to 76 years old, and education levels that did not exceed elementary school. The encounter with the women who participated in the research took place through the streets, through the Movement of Homeless People, which made it possible to delve deeper into the universe in which they organized themselves. The memories brought as memories, which evidence situations of physical and sexual violence; family conflicts, which motivated the choice to live on the streets of the capital of Bahia; as well as the development of strategies to deal with various situations of harassment, caused mainly by men who also live on the streets. The exposure and indignation at the ineffectiveness of public policies, actions implemented without dialogue with these women who live on the streets, as well as situations of racial discrimination, subordination and exposure to the most varied forms of violence, including institutional. It is worth highlighting, as a positive factor for the women in the study, the strengthening of collective organization through the Street Population Movement as a driver of appropriation of their rights and demand for effectively viable public actions. Finally, it is hoped that this research will contribute to the expansion of more studies aimed at women living on the streets and will be indicative in the construction of knowledge and in facing the adversities experienced by these people.