Emigração de mulheres moçambicanas para a antiga República Democrática Alemã 1979-1990

Abstract

The emigration of Mozambican women to the former German Democratic Republic (RDA) constituted the first experience of legal emigration of women Mozambicans to a foreign country. This migratory movement was made possible through the Cooperation and Friendship Agreement signed between the GDR and the Republic People's Republic of Mozambique (RPM) on February 24, 1979, which provided for the sending temporary workers, including men and women, to the GDR. This emigration process benefited RPM by offering a solution to the unemployment problem in Mozambique, aggravated by the withdrawal of workers Mozambicans from South African mines. Additionally, it contributed to mitigating the shortage of qualified labor, a phenomenon resulting from rural exodus. For your In turn, the GDR benefited from this agreement by filling the labor shortage, a consequence the low birth rate, and by establishing Mozambique as a source of raw materials, simultaneously reinforcing the expansion of socialism. To the women selected for this program presented a specific profile: they had between 18 and 25 years old, were in good health, had a high level of education corresponding to the fourth grade completed and demonstrated commitment to the work. In the initial phase, registrations were made at the Ministry of Labor, being later decentralized to the neighborhoods. It was also necessary to have Identity card (RG) and marching card to formalize registration. THE recruitment took place in two distinct periods: the first, from 1979 to 1985, focused on training of specialized workers, and the second, from 1985 to 1989, oriented towards the provision of services. After selection, the women were housed in inns, where were waiting for the departure date for Germany. Upon arriving in the GDR, these women were integrated into various industries, such as textiles, agriculture, chemistry, electronics and transportation, among others. Working conditions offered included rights equivalent to those of German workers, with wages compatible, vacations and holidays. However, strict discipline was required at the workplace. work. In their free time, they could visit other cities, organize parties or go to nightclubs. However, there were severe restrictions on relationships VIamorous with German citizens, as well as about pregnancies, which resulted in the immediate repatriation to Mozambique. The reunification of Germany in 1990 had a profound impact on the lives of these women. Many were forced to return to Mozambique abruptly, often without clear compensation or explanation. This forced return remained known as the "Unexpected Return" or the "Massive Return of the Madgermans(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)