A menina que conversava com o lixo | Leonice Silva | TEDxSalvador Women

28 Jun 2024 (6 months ago)

Tata's Journey

Growing up in poverty in Camaçari, Brazil, Tata witnessed the stark contrast between the rich and the poor through the lens of their trash.
To escape her harsh reality, she created an imaginary world and found solace in collecting and repurposing discarded items from a wealthy neighborhood.
Despite her father's disapproval, she persisted in collecting and selling recyclable materials, which allowed her to acquire basic necessities and toys.
Inspired by her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, she expanded her efforts, collecting and selling scrap metal, eventually employing others to help her.
Through her resourcefulness and determination, she transformed her life, overcoming poverty and finding dignity and financial stability through recycling.

Tata faced bullying at school due to her family's poverty and coped by creating an imaginary world and recycling trash.
Despite abuse, the loss of her father, and a nervous breakdown, she remained resilient and determined to improve her life.
She eventually found success as an entrepreneur, employing others and using her past experiences to make a positive impact on society.

Leonice started working in a waste management company and eventually bought a house in a single day and night of work.
She sees potential and opportunity in waste, viewing it as a hidden treasure and a new beginning.
Leonice emphasizes the importance of recycling for the environment and highlights that 70% of waste pickers are black women.
She overcame emotional issues and used waste as a catalyst for transformation, breaking the cycle of poverty for herself and her family.
Despite challenges in a male-dominated field, she successfully dismantled a car assembly plant in record time without accidents, earning the title of "Queen of Scrap."