16409 - Construção Coletiva de Caminhos e Oportunidades: A Experiência da Associação de Mulheres Rurais de Dourados "Força Feminina" Collective Construction of Paths and Opportunities: The Experience of the Association of Rural Women of Dourados "Female Force"

Palavras-chave: Valorizacao da mulher, geracao de renda, principios agroecologicos. Abstract: This study aimed to identify some of the most relevant aspects and share it through this report serving as reference to other women. The information was gathered with the women involved in the experiment through interviews, based on a semi-structured script, composed of open questions. The experiment started as an informal group of women. After some years of activities, in 2010, it was formalized to the Association of Rural Women of Dourados Female Force (ARWDFF), with headquarters in Indapolis district, city of Dourados, MS. The entity has 40 female members that were associated in 2014. The activities developed by the entity associates prize the use of raw materials produced in agroecological principles, in addition to aim the lesser impact possible on the environment, creating healthy and natural products, without the involvement of chemical products in the production process. Despite the difficulties and obstacles, the association has been consolidating itself, expanding its work by helping associates to increase the family income and still increasing self-esteem and empowerment as a transforming agent of society.