In the 18th century, despite not having the right to vote, women headed farms, properties, businesses and were responsible for the circulation of goods, food and for much of the basis of Brazil’s economy at the time. That’s what explains Cecilia Helena de Salles Oliveiraprofessor at USP and the Ipiranga Museum, in São Paulo.
“Innumerable manifestos were discovered, both in Rio de Janeiro and in Bahia, written and signed by women, who defended the separation from Portugal, who defended citizenship, freedom and who rebelled against the measures of the courts, measures taken by Dom Pedro I, or attitudes adopted by local leaders”, says the professor.
Among the historical personalities of the period, the most remembered is Maria Leopoldinafirst wife of D. Pedro I and Empress of Brazil until her death in 1826. “She has a special position not only because she is an Empress, but because she is an intelligent woman, very well educated and who took on important attitudes throughout her life. independence process”, says professor Cecília Helena.
“She was an active wife – when Dom Pedro I was away from Rio de Janeiro, she was the one who took over the regency”, says the historian and anthropologist. Lilia Schwarcz. “She was always an active voice in the sense of pressuring Dom Pedro I to sponsor a break with the Portuguese metropolis.”
“She was a naturalist, a wise woman, spoke several languages, before coming to Brazil she studied what Brazil was, she came with a scientific mission”, narrates the historian.
Lilia Schwarcz also points to the participation of women as Maria Quiteriawho disguised himself as a man so that he could join the troops in the wars of independence; Maria Felipa, enslaved who tried to retain Portuguese troops in Bahia; and Joana Angelicaa religious who did not allow the Portuguese to enter the convent in which she lived.
“These are just examples of women who made independence. And they are examples of our silencing. They are examples of how future generations and present generations need to study the place of women in Brazilian political processes much more”, emphasizes the historian.
The importance of ordinary women in the independence process is also recalled by Alvaro Pereira do Nascimento, historian and professor at UFRRJ/CNPq. “There were many Conceição, many Joanas, many Marias, who worked hard every day to transform this story”, he comments.
The professor also recalls that it is necessary to consider that many black and indigenous women, very present and active in everyday life and in popular demands, were erased from the historical process.
“whether because of hegemonic masculinity or prejudice against black, enslaved and indigenous people,” he adds.
Source: CNN Brasil
