Women in mechanics

who are the women graduates of IFSP’s Proeja program – Sertãozinho Campus?

Abstract

In general, this research highlights the importance of life stories in preserving memories, transmitting knowledge, and constructing social identity. Grounded in the perspective of integral education and inspired by Paulo Freire’s ideas, the research examines education as a transformative tool. In this sense, the study focused on women who graduated from the Program for the Integration of Professional Education with High School (Proeja) at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of São Paulo (IFSP) in Sertãozinho, state of São Paulo, Brazil, related to the Technical Course in Mechanics Integrated into High School. Using a qualitative approach, the aim was to learn about their trajectories and develop an e-book to highlight their stories. Prose analysis was used for data analysis. During a conversation circle, enrolled students learned about the graduates’ stories, reflecting on how their trajectories could inspire them. Overall, the results indicated that the women faced challenges due to a lack of support, but overcame difficulties with institution and teacher support. After completing the course, they reported an increase in self-esteem and a greater recognition of their abilities. Proeja was considered a turning point, even for those who did not work directly in the field of mechanics.