Portraits of the 'periferia': 'The pulse of São Paulo comes from its periphery' | Cities | The Guardian

 

"Inequality in São Paulo, the biggest city in Latin America, is felt most keenly on its periphery – and most keenly of all by women. They have the lowest incomes and the highest teenage pregnancy rates of any women in the city, and are more often the victims of violence.

At the same time, women are often leaders in these disadvantaged communities. From Paraisópolis to Cidade Tiradentes, they emerge as activists, educators, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, shaping their communities for the better.

Despite being at different points in their lives, these five women have known similar struggles. Glória, 16, and Talita, 26, are students who overcame adverse circumstances to succeed and now fight for others; Priscila, 27, an indigenous leader who oversaw a radical change in how her tribe is governed; Iris, 47, a cleaner who became a nightlife entrepreneur; and Cléo, 60, who discovered her power to change lives through music.

Sharing their stories with us through reporters from Énois, a NGO and journalism school for young people on the outskirts of São Paulo, these unexpected leaders offer glimpses of the hidden parts of São Paulo’s human puzzle – and how the city is influenced from its fringes."

From the 16-year-old mother who occupied a school, to the cleaner who opened a nightclub, it’s often women who are leaders on the city’s embattled outskirts"

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Portraits of the 'periferia': 'The pulse of São Paulo comes from its periphery' | Cities | The Guardian: