Decolonizing Knowledge, Resisting Coloniality of Gender: Collective Mobilizations at a Brazilian Public University

Brazilian public universities adhere to a Western model rooted in universality, which, in its exclusivity, perpetuates coloniality by sidelining alternative forms of knowledge and bodies. In recent decades, minoritized groups have gained access to these institutions and initiated confrontations with coloniality through diverse articulations. This paper aims to explore the intersectionality between challenging coloniality of gender and the decolonization of knowledge, focusing on the trajectory of student collectives within a Brazilian public university. Grounded in discussions on the coloniality of knowledge, coloniality of gender, and global experiences, coupled with an analysis of narratives from student collective activists, we uncover the intricate nature of resistance processes within the university. These collectives advocate for the decolonization of predominant knowledge systems and the implementation of alternatives that transcend the pitfalls of dominant logic. Dynamic spaces characterized by both affection and solidarity, as well as tensions and conflicts, the collectives underscore the challenges associated with decolonization in public universities. The study emphasizes the significance of fluid mobilizations, emphasizing coalitions that emerge from and within the differences inherent in the experiences of subaltern women gradually gaining access to these academic institutions.