Project resocializes mothers through connection with nature

The first project in the series is “Mulheres na Trilha.”

And don’t worry, activities for all genders, tastes and ages will also be published this year. Wait and keep an eye on our Instagram for posts marked as “Affordable activity” and “Free activity”.

Mulheres na Trilha was founded by tour guide Elisabete Coelho da Silva, who is 29 years old, a mother, and lives in Austin, Nova Iguaçu, RJ.

Elisabete claims that she founded this group in response to a traumatic event in her life, which she perceived to be isolated. However, after speaking with other women, she realised that what happened to her is common in the lives of many women. She claims that after motherhood, women tend to be very lonely, and she founded the group to re-socialise women in this situation.

“After they marry, women forget who they are and end up dedicating themselves exclusively to their children, partner, house, chores, and lives in the background, even without realising it.” Many women unknowingly expose themselves to abusive relationships, which is what happened to me. The trail assisted me in overcoming this phase and reconnecting with myself and nature. Then I realised that forming a group would make the activities more enjoyable and could benefit other women while also carrying out social actions. As a result, the project evolved into “a network of good,” as Elisabete explains.

The first trails were held in 2018, but the activities really picked up steam in 2020. You have fun, make friends, discover new places, and even participate in the group’s social activities while on the trails. The trails have no set schedule, and communication is done through a WhatsApp group with 204 active members.

The symbolic value charged for each activity or trail is converted into toys, charity lunches for mothers who are unable to prepare lunch for their children on Mother’s Day, warm snacks, diapers, wet wipes, milk, pads, hygiene products, and other items. People in socioeconomic vulnerability in various Rio de Janeiro neighbourhoods and orphanages are among those who benefit.

Other events, in addition to the trails, are held, such as yoga, hiking, rappelling, lectures, and luaus, which last all night and are followed by a communal breakfast. 

I discussed the project with Elisabete

Neuza Nascimento: Which trail do you think is the best of all?

Elisabete Coelho: All our tracks have a unique connotation that is impossible to quantify. Everyone is happy because they are accepted as they are in the group. It is common knowledge that those who do not meet society’s beauty standards are forgotten or even excluded, and do not have the opportunity to participate in various activities. We have overweight girls who can’t keep up with a common group because they don’t meet the “hiker” standard. We have elderly women as well as women who take their children because they have no one to leave them with, and they all contribute to their care. The trails end up serving as an escape valve for the hikers, including myself and my son. It’s a lovely and welcoming group; we all strive to do good, including myself and my son.”

“It’s a lovely and welcoming group; we strive to do good,” Elisabete says. Our trails are all unique; over 1,000 women have already participated, the majority of whom are mothers or women who are leaving an abusive relationship and have emotional support in their family circle. With their constant presence on the trails, many of them were able to get back on their feet and follow a pretty cool path.

Some of the participants’ testimonials are included below.

“I am obese, diabetic, and very sedentary; my children have grown up, and I may have developed depression as a result of waking up late and having nothing to do.” I was very interested when I saw an advertisement for trails for women. But I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it. My first trail was the Sugar Loaf, and I was apprehensive because of my limitations, weight, and age, but I completed it! My life began to open up after that, and I was able to break free from the monotony. I just want to thank Liz and this amazing group for everything that happened in my life after the trails. “I made friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” 

Katya Galdeano, a widow 53 years old.

“During the pandemic, I was getting very sad and depressed; that’s when I discovered Mulheres na Trilha,”. We had a great time the first time I participated. We talked to each other, climbed rocks, and walked through the forest. “It’s been great for my mental health; discovering the trails was my salvation.” 

Edna Goulart, 64, is a resident of Jacarepaguá in Rio’s West Zone and the owner of the Nega Atrevida, Moda Afro e Etnica brand.

Discover some of the places visited by “Mulheres na Trilha,” including Forte do Leme, Mirante Caeté, Praia do Secreto, Pedra do Gavião, Morro da Urca, Serra do Vulcão, Penhasco Dois Irmãos Park, Nova Iguaçu Municipal Park, Sacristia Cave, and Acaiá Cave.

Have fun!

Grab your trainers, some comfortable clothes, a bottle of water, some fruit, your backpack, and get ready for the next trail. You can suggest locations and other activities, and if the group agrees, we shall go!

To learn more about check Instagram do Mulheres na Trilha or send a message to  WhatsApp +55 (21) 96547-0787.