Quilombola Women and the Access to Health Policies

• In Event: Second- and Third-class citizens in their own country? Afro-Brazilian and Quilombola Women in Brazil

Abstract

A qualitative exploratory study conducted with quilombola women living in urban and rural quilombos in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Its general objective was to understand their social experiences in accessing public health policies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with quilombola leaders and focus groups with women. The narratives were submitted to content analysis. The results show that, as far as the use of health services for the quilombola population is concerned, almost all the characteristics of primary care are not adequately present in health care. The health of quilombola women finds some factors that impact on their way and condition of life, hindering their development. We highlight the low socioeconomic level associated with geographic isolation, together with low schooling, lack of basic sanitation and poor housing conditions as factors closely related to the delay in improving the quality of life of this population group. The obstacles to the application of the resources destined to the quilombola population due to institutional racism are reflected in the precarious access to the rights of citizenship.

Author

• Patricia K Grossi, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)