“Uma potência de transformação”: feminismos migrantes e lutas transnacionais no contexto das migrações Sul-Sul

Abstract

In this thesis, I seek to understand, through interpretative approaches and qualitative case studies, aspects of migrant women's activisms and struggles, focusing on the experiences of activists and organisations active in Brazil and Argentina, in the context of the South-South migration. From a longitudinal perspective and based on feminist epistemologies, I analyse the formation and strengthening of migrant associative fields in the two countries. I investigate how migrant women have articulated themselves transnationally in recent decades, in terms of the meanings, tensions, strategies adopted, and relationships established with other movements. Based on participant observation and in-depth interviews with activists living in these two countries, I argue that the activisms developed can be interpreted as Migrant Feminisms. These feminisms are forged as a field of political theory and praxis, developed by migrant women and their dissidents, who are constantly on the move. It is an intersectional and disputed field, situated and grounded on struggles against racism, xenophobia, inequalities and violence of class, gender, origin and sexuality. The actions, strategies and demands are part of transnational and cross-border practices of activism, based on emotional, cultural and political ties established by migrants.