Ernestina Lesina e o Anima e Vita: trajetórias, escritos e a luta das mulheres operárias (inícios do Século XX São Paulo)

Abstract

The study examines the written material made public by Ernestina Lesina, an Italian socialist immigrant whose political action consisted chiefly in the defence of the working women s cause through an indefatigable participation in the debate of ideas supported by Anima e Vita, the weekly newspaper she published. The examination brings to life the tensions all too real in which the town of São Paulo was awash with early in the 20th century a time of fast urbanization and structuring of the industrial system and closely follows the spreading of political ideas and the outset of clashes between unions and employers. After depicting a general view of feminine, feminist and working class woman press, the study concentrated on the analysis of Anima e Vita and attested to the consistency of subjects covered and themes chosen, such as women s awareness of their role in society, anticlericalism, free love, marriage, education, work, and maternity/family. Ernestina Lesina s articles draw a clear profile of the socialist ideology to the indoctrination of which she devoted her efforts, emphasizing women s self-esteem and awareness, along with the vital importance of the fight to conquer their rights