In her PhD research, IHS alumna Satya Maia Patchineelam investigated the social and environmental impact of the Belo Monte Dam on the riverine women of Brazil's Xingu River. With a background in urban studies and a passion for social justice, Satya was drawn to this topic, which connects environmental issues, gender, and traditional-amazonian people’s rights.
Exploring the impacts of resettlement and gender dynamics
Satya's research focuses on the social impacts of resettlement, especially for communities displaced by large development projects like the Belo Monte Dam in Pará, Brazil. She also examines gender dynamics and intra-household changes and explores how women adapt to urban life after being resettled from their traditional reliance on the river's resources. She used an ethnographic methodology, spending significant time with these communities to understand their lived experiences.
"I realised I had to go and learn directly from the people and understand how they interact with their environment."
Satya Maia Patchineelam
Towards inclusive solutions
In her work, Satya applies the "Sustainable Livelihood Framework", which examines how social, physical, human, and financial resources contribute to people's well-being. She expanded this framework to include psychological and political aspects, emphasising the harmful effects of resettlement on mental health. Her findings suggest that resettlement disrupts traditional family roles, often isolating women and making them more dependent. This calls for the implementation of policies that consider these gendered dynamics.
"Voicing the invisibles […]. It's not that they're invisible […]. It's just that, through policy-making, they are rendered invisible," Satya emphasises.
Ultimately, Satya hopes her research will bring greater visibility to marginalised riverine communities and reinforce existing policies that address the gendered impacts of resettlement. She believes recognising traditional knowledge and empowering affected communities is essential for creating more inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Navigating international perspectives at IHS
As part of the PhD in Urban Development & Governance classroom, Satya benefited from the diverse, international environment at IHS, which enriched her academic journey. Collaborating with students and faculty members from different backgrounds expanded her perspective on urban issues. The interdisciplinary approach at IHS connected her research to real-world challenges and deepened her understanding of social equity and environmental justice. Satya encourages future PhD students to embrace the global and collaborative nature of their studies at IHS, as it offers valuable opportunities to address urban challenges and make a meaningful impact.
"I believe that connecting with people from other countries shifts your perspective and allows you to see beyond your own horizons", concludes Satya.
