Celebrating International Women’s Day: Promoting Women’s Health in Local Community.
On March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the Trocano Araretama Project team, in collaboration with Borba City Hall, the City Council, and multiple municipal departments, organized a vibrant and impactful event focused on women’s health and wellbeing in the PAE Maripiti community.
Empowerment Through Education and Awareness
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by remote communities, the event aimed to provide crucial health services, education, and support directly to the women of PAE Maripiti. The initiative was the result of careful coordination between the Trocano Project team, Councilwoman Tatiana Franco, and Mr. Edson, the Women’s Health Coordinator, reflecting a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and quality of life.
Community Engagement and Supportive Services
The day’s activities commenced early, as the team departed from Borba City Hall at 7 am, arriving at the welcoming space provided by local resident Mr. Mário. Councilwoman Tatiana Franco opened the event by highlighting its significance and introducing the dedicated team involved.
Participants enjoyed a motivational talk from psychologist Elisa, who engaged the community with discussions around women’s rights, responsibilities, and their vital role in society. This empowering session set an inspiring tone for the day.
Preventive Women’s Healthcare and Screenings
The event also featured essential services like preventive health checks, notably the Pap smear exams conducted by nursing professionals, including Councilwoman Tatiana herself. This service significantly boosted local healthcare access, ensuring essential screenings were available to women free of charge. Trocano team member Gilmara Menezes de Castro who is also a nurse technician was able to provide essential assistance for the care of the women. The Department of Women’s Health emphasized the importance of regular screenings with an informative session by Coordinator Edson on cervical cancer prevention.
Social Welfare and Community Support
Social welfare services were another highlight, with representatives providing guidance on critical social programs, including Bolsa Família (Family Allowance Program), the Cadastro Único (Single Registry), issuing ID cards and access to basic rights. Civil Defence distributed basic food baskets, a timely intervention to assist families affected by the recent drought conditions.
Agricultural Rights and Personal Wellbeing
IDAM representatives offered practical insights into the rights of women farmers, underscoring the importance of keeping agricultural documents updated to access governmental benefits. Additionally, women enjoyed personal care services like hairstyling and eyebrow design. These actions significantly contributed positively to their self-esteem and overall sense of wellbeing.
Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
The Trocano Araretama Project took this opportunity to present its environmental and sustainability-focused initiatives. This helped enhance community awareness about conservation and sustainability efforts. A special breakfast provided by the project created a warm, communal atmosphere, fostering deeper connections among community members.
Celebrating Community Strength and Collaboration
The event concluded with the joyful distribution of school backpacks to community families. This gesture ensured women and children alike received tangible benefits. Community members expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the rarity and value of such comprehensive support and acknowledgment.
This International Women’s Day event in PAE Maripiti was more than just a celebration. It was a meaningful affirmation of community strength, collaboration, and the ongoing commitment to women’s health and empowerment.
