ABSTRACT
Objective:
to analyze the relation between female work and health in the perspective of women collectors of recyclable materials and carry out an educational activity directed towards their empowerment.
Method:
a qualitative study based on the Convergent-Care Research. The participants consisted of 11 women collectors from a recyclable materials cooperative. Data were produced between April and June 2015 through participant non-systematic participant observation, semi-structured interviews and convergence group. The analysis followed the steps established by the methodological reference (apprehension, synthesis, theorization and transference).
Results:
two thematic categories emerged from the analysis that point to life experiences marked by economic, family and social difficulties , such as the experience of child labor, exclusion from the labor market, difficulties imposed by motherhood and marriage, as well as racial prejudice. The collector's point of view in relation to the work in the woman's life is also highlighted, evidencing elements such as sexual discrimination, the division of labor and the relation between work and family. The educational group activity directed towards empowerment had a positive outcome and helped the collectors to rekindle feelings of confidence in their abilities.
Conclusion:
women's work is a relevant factor for women's health. Thus, educational nursing actions that stimulate empowerment as an element for health can be effective together with singular groups, such as recyclable waste collectors.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing; Occupational health; Women, working; Gender and health; Solid waste segregators; Community-based participatory research; Qualitative research
