MST’s Mobilization in Brazil: Women Demand Agrarian Reform and Environmental Justice

The Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST) in Brazil, led by women, organized nationwide protests on March 13 to advocate for agrarian reform amid ongoing government discussions. They occupied unproductive lands, denounced harmful agribusiness activities, and criticized insufficient governmental measures. MST’s mission encompasses not only agrarian reform but also a cultural revolution aimed at promoting social equity, environmental stewardship, and women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector.

On March 13, Brazil’s Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST) organized a national mobilization led by women, culminating in actions across 24 states. This effort aimed to pressure the Lula government in support of agrarian reform policies leading up to the MST’s Red April campaign. Activists occupied various unutilized lands, especially in Bahia and Ceará, to challenge the social inadequacies defined in the Brazilian Constitution regarding land utilization.

The protests highlighted detrimental effects of agribusiness practices, including excessive pesticide use, land-grabbing, and violence against rural communities. MST emphasized their commitment in a statement, urging a counteraction against historical adversaries that threaten a sustainable and equitable societal framework. On March 10, it was announced that seven farms would be expropriated to establish new settlements, but MST criticized this measure as insufficient compared to what was promised by the government.

MST asserted, “The Popular Agrarian Reform that we defend is not just a productive and environmental process but a feminist and anti-racist cultural revolution.” Their focus is primarily on opposing forestry companies associated with monocultures that contribute to environmental harm. In Espírito Santo, approximately 1,000 women occupied land owned by the Suzano pulp company to protest against eucalyptus plantations detrimental to local ecology.

In Maranhão, women from MST blocked roads to Suzano’s largest factory, asserting their fight against agribusiness-related violence and pollution. Similar demonstrations occurred in Rio Grande do Sul against CMPC and eucalyptus expansion, accompanied by a formal complaint to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the adverse environmental impacts of forestry practices.

In Bahia, around 300 families occupied unproductive lands, while in Ceará, more than 220 families claimed agricultural land linked to significant agribusiness interests. Protesters also denounced new policies allowing drone pesticide applications, emphasizing the harmful implications for rural communities. Gatherings in several states displayed a collective call for immediate reforms to address ongoing inequalities in land distribution and usage.

In Alagoas, approximately 800 women occupied the superintendence of Brazil’s Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra), emphasizing the necessity for agrarian reform to support female rural workers. The protest at Incra in São Paulo involved presenting demands related to local realities and agrarian reform challenges. Meanwhile, activities continued in Mato Grosso, where women condemned legislative actions jeopardizing environmental protections.

The MST organized tree planting and educational initiatives in the Federal District, focusing on highlighting women’s contributions to agriculture. Leidiane Evangelista from MST advocated for shifting the narrative around rural work to acknowledge women’s roles in agricultural production while promoting agroecology for sustainable living in rural communities.

The recent mobilization by the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement illustrates a significant call for agrarian reform in Brazil. Through coordinated protests and land occupations, especially by women, MST seeks to highlight agrarian injustices and environmental harm caused by agribusiness. While government measures to expropriate land have been applauded, they have also been deemed inadequate, reinforcing the persistent demand for substantial reforms aligned with the principles of social justice, environmental sustainability, and acknowledgment of women’s roles in agriculture.

Original Source: www.brasildefato.com.br