In brief
In Brazil's gold-mining regions, women engage in dangerous forms of work, including sex work, to support their families. Despite the harsh realities and risks, many are forced into this life due to economic hardships exacerbated by the illegal mining industry. The social and environmental toll of these practices remains largely overlooked.
In the depths of Brazil's Amazon rainforest, a tragic cycle continues as women find themselves trapped in exploitative situations due to the booming illegal gold mining trade. Among them is Dayane Leite, who turned to sex work at the age of 17 after her husband's sudden death left her desperate to fund his funeral. Living in Itaituba, a central hub for illegal mining, she embraces a harsh reality: "Going to the mines is a roll of the dice," she says, recounting experiences of violence and humiliation at the hands of miners.For the past 16 years, Dayane has worn many hats—working as a cook, washerwoman, barmaid, and sex worker—all to support her family of seven. "A fair share" of women in Itaituba engage in sex work, according to Natalia Cavalcante, who turned her early experiences into a business as the madam of a brothel, hoping to provide for her family.Life in these mining settlements is grim. Many miners live in crude shacks, with minimal amenities, while women endure harsh living conditions in the camps. Despite the risks, some have built businesses from their earnings. Natalia, for instance, has used her income to own a house and fund her aspirations of studying law or architecture.The consequences of illegal mining extend beyond personal hardship, with reports of violence against women, including fatalities. Raiele Santos, a local woman, was tragically killed after allegedly refusing a man's advances, spotlighting the severe dangers women face in these lawless areas. While the Brazilian government seeks to combat illegal mining, the crisis continues, fueled by rising gold prices. The scope of the problem is immense, with unofficial estimates suggesting that between 80,000 and 800,000 men work in these mines. The environmental destruction is significant, but the human cost—encapsulated by sexual exploitation and trafficking—often goes unreported.Dayane hopes to break free from mining life to invest in a snack bar, aiming for a better future for her children. Driven by love and perseverance, she continues to push through the pain, knowing that her struggles are fueled by a fierce determination for her children's welfare: “I will keep trying, until I can’t any more,” she vows. “One day, my children will say: ‘My mum worked so hard... and she never gave up.’”
