Cooperative of women deprived of liberty returns to showcase its products at the Book Fair
The work of Coostafe and the stories of its members once again moved attendees at the largest literary event in northern Brazil
Formed by women deprived of liberty, under the coordination of the State Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap), the Social Cooperative of Entrepreneurial Women’s Art (Coostafe) participated for three days in the 28th Pan-Amazonian Book Fair and Multivoices, held at Hangar - Center for Conventions and Fairs of the Amazon, in Belém.
The booth designated for the cooperatives was an opportunity to showcase products to a large audience. According to Coostafe's tutor, Narayana Brotas, participation in the Fair allows interaction with the public and generates a positive impact on the cooperative's image. “It is very important for them, both to have the experience of participating in a grand fair and to also have contact with other entrepreneurs, as these are moments of knowledge exchange. Furthermore, it is very important for the visibility of the cooperative,” she emphasized.
Direct contact - Narayana Brotas also stated that "there are still people who do not know Coostafe. So, when they pass by, they get to know a little about what the cooperative is, and they are enchanted. They are also enchanted by the products that we have the opportunity to showcase and sell. This is very important for the inmates, as it adds value to their resumes.”
At the Book Fair, two inmates participated directly in sales and public interaction alongside the Seap team, made up of servers and penal police, showcasing laptop bags, thermal bags, knitted pieces, toiletry bags, embroidered cushions, ecobags, and hand-painted frames.
The participation aims to assist in social reintegration after serving the sentence, through social dialogue with the public during the event, and the promotion of Coostafe and its products.
In her first year interacting directly with the public at the Fair, Débora Bianca, an inmate of the Women's Custody and Reintegration Unit of Ananindeua (UCRF Ananindeua), who paints on canvases at Coostafe, shared that the experience becomes unique and special for women deprived of liberty. “It is very gratifying; I am very happy to be here. We meet people, share our story. Many are moved. We tell a little about each woman inside Coostafe, from the sewing part, the painting, to the finishing of the products. It’s very good!” said Débora.
Service: Coostafe operates at the Women's Custody and Reintegration Unit of Ananindeua, bringing together about 30 inmates in the production of handicrafts, sewing, painting, and embroidery.
Anyone wishing to purchase the products or support the initiative can contact via email: [email protected]
Text: Fernanda Ferreira, intern - NCS/Seap
