INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN BRAZIL SPEAK ON VIOLENCE

Seneiya Kamotho  English/Kenya   Like many Afro-Brazilian children, Crueza Maria de Oliveria believed she had no other option in life other than that of working as a domestic worker. At the age of ten, under the pretext of taking care of her, a white family brought her in to take care of their children. Cruza worked without receiving any wages, she slept on the floor, she ate the leftovers of the children that she cared for and she suffered physical violence that increased over time. The pattern of racism was repeated in other homes and turned more severe. She had no right to a dignified life, a work contract, a minimum wage and social security. She was discriminated against for being a woman, being black and being a domestic worker. Blacks lack political power in Brazil and the vestiges of slavery continue in areas where forced labour is practiced. The high illiteracy rates relegates many to seek employment in low paying jobs such as street sweepers and domestic workers.