June 1997

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"A Brazilian Context" by Elizabeth Calvin

"The World Bank has classified Brazil as the most economically unequal country in the world." This article gives an overview of the rest of this issue and questions what this classification means to Brazil's women and children, many of whom are black, uneducated and poor.

"Prostitutes Seek Justice" by Paul Jeffrey

DAVIDA. It means either "of the life" or "to give life," and it stands for an association of prostitues in Rio de Janeiro. This article explores the work of DAVIDA, as the organization helps women who struggle for a better life. It helps open up public discussions on prostitution issues, provides children's programs, educates about AIDS, and takes on legal battles. By provoking a wide discussion of this controversial profession, the women are forcing the country to deal with sexuality, poverty, and sexism, which are all elements of prostitution.

"The Church: Seeing Sex Workers as People" by Paul Jeffrey

According to one spokeswoman for DAVIDA, "although some sectors of the church are reluctant to engage in dialogue with prostitutes, churches have led the way in seeing the prostitutes as real people." This article explores the church's work with prostitues in Brazil, discusses why many women have turned to prostitution, and investigates the church's duty to stand along side all people who suffer.

"Violence Against Women: Breaking the Silence" by Rosagela Oliveira

This article introduces violence against women in Brazil and the many faces it takes -- "the face of poverty, the face of racism, the face of exclusion, the face of hierarchical relationships between women and men." Then, it looks at the work needed to break the silence of violence against these women and the progress that women have already made. Finally, the author asserts that the church must break the silence, create places of shelter, and assume a role in public debate of the issue.

"Reproductive-Rights Policy: Excludes Women's Voice" by Fernanda Carneiro

This article asserts that almost every social group in Brazilian society defines the country's reproductive policy. Every group except for women. Family planning means population control and it can involve such things as doctors doing tubal ligations without the consent of women. Ms. Carneiro explores the problems with this population control, how feminists are working for change and working with the church, and the signs of hope as they strive for control over their own reproduction rights.

"Racial Democracy: Brazil's Myth" by Paul Jeffrey

Brazil's tourism agencies and government officials boast that the relations between races in Brazil is "much more harmonious than in other parts of the world." This author reveals the cracks in this myth. He looks at the history of racism, the social implications, and how racism exists today. Paul Jeffrey addresses the widely used stereotypes and the quest to produce a "whiter" society. Then, he explores the challenges of the black consciousness movement, the role that the church is beginning to play in combatting racism, and how women in the church struggle for inclusion.

"A Home at Last" by Paul Jeffrey

The Susanna Wesley House in Viamão, Brazil, is a project of the Methodist Church and local government that reaches out to girls forced to grow up too quickly and to function in a society that doesn't care. This article explores the ministry of a safe place and caring atomosphere to girls from dysfunctional homes, who have suffered sexual or physical abuse or who have been sold as prostitutes.

"Landless: Movement Gaining Ground" by Paul Jeffrey

This articles gives in-depth coverage of the landless Brazilians who are "challenging Brazilian society to confornt the poverty that plagues the countryside." It lifts up the peaceful movement motto: "occupy, resist, produce"; the alarming statistics that demonstrate the control of the majority of land by 1% of the rich; and the historical struggle of the poor and the "systematic theft" of their land. It also covers the peaceful movement tactics, how they have worked, and how the government has met the tactics with violence and little support. With hope for the future, Paul Jeffrey also explores the coordinating efforts and the final goals of the movement.

"Brazilian Women Face Poverty in Old Age" by Susanne S. Paul

Women of Brazil who once planned to retire with a liveable pension now worry about "Brazil's stringent economic measure, designed to curb inflation and repay foreign debt." These measures are increasing unemployment and shrinking government support for social and economic programs, leaving even prosperous people with a sense of insecurity. This article delves into the social inequalities inherent in these new economic measures and how women try to circumvent the system.

"Brazilians in the U.S." by Rosangela Oliveira

This article deals with the issues that started the flight to the United States for many Brazilians. It looks at the lives of several Brazilian immigrants, the issues they now face living in the United States, and the differences between their lives in Brazil and their lives in their new home.

Other Articles:

See also:

• Response
• Responsively Yours
• United Methodist Women
• Women's Division
• May Edition of Response
• Responsively