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Women Empowering Women: Solidarity Economy and Feminine Autonomy in Araraquara, Brazil
This chapter examines the transformative effects of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) on women in Araraquara, a city known for its grassroots activism and social innovation. By focusing on women who have been marginalized economically and socially. The study explores how the SSE provides a path to agency and self-determination. The research highlights the creation of sustainable women-led enterprises in Brazil that foster not only economic independence but also personal growth and collective empowerment. This participation allows women to gain greater control over their labor, income, and decision-making, which in turn promotes feminine autonomy. The analysis goes beyond economic outcomes to investigate the broader social and personal transformations resulting from women's leadership in the SSE. Using qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, the study provides a detailed understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by women shaping their own futures through these initiatives.