National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (PRONAF) Women: An Instrument to Drive Women in the Countryside in Rondônia

Research Objective: To analyze the impact of Pronaf Mulher on the economic and social development of rural women in the state of Rondônia, with emphasis on the structural, cultural, and economic barriers that limit its implementation and hinder women's empowerment. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on literature discussing the role of women in family farming, the invisibility of women's labor in rural areas, the empowerment of rural women, and access to credit as a tool for economic autonomy. Methodology: The methodological approach is qualitative, applied, exploratory, and descriptive in nature. It employs a bibliographic and documentary review, analyzing scientific articles, institutional reports, and regulations concerning Pronaf Mulher. The data analysis technique is content analysis, following Bardin (2011), to identify thematic categories related to credit access and women's autonomy. Results: The results indicate that Pronaf Mulher has promoted advances in women's access to rural credit, but its effectiveness is limited by factors such as lack of documentation, economic dependence on men, poor infrastructure, limited access to information and training, and cultural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality in rural areas. Originality: The study contributes by specifically addressing the context of Rondônia, a region still underexplored in the literature regarding the implementation of Pronaf Mulher. Its originality lies in the intersectional analysis of the factors limiting women's empowerment, considering economic, social, cultural, and structural variables in an integrated manner. Theoretical and Practical Contributions: Theoretically, the study expands understanding of gender-sensitive rural credit policies, strengthening the debate on equity in the countryside. Practically, it offers support for the formulation and improvement of more effective public policies, proposing specific actions such as strengthening land ownership, technical training, and information dissemination for female farmers in Rondônia.