The performance of the feminist collective Marielle Franco and the impact on the mental health of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of the actions carried out at the Feminist Collective Marielle Franco to promote the mental health of university students during the pandemic of COVID-19. Method: It was an action research carried out with students from the Nursing and Psychology courses at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG). The Collective meetings took place remotely from April to June 2020. A semi-structured interview script was used for data collection and analytically the thematic categorical model proposed by Bardin. Results: The following emerged as thematic categories: 1. Perspectives pointed out about gender in the experience of the Feminist Collective during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. The performance of the Feminist Collective during the COVID-19 pandemic and its articulation with the members' mental health. Conclusion: The collective actions developed remotely during the pandemic were successful in providing a space that was welcoming to the demands of the students, promoting mental health and the formation of a support network for women.