July 2020
68
ISSN 2278 0742
Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development, an Eco-feminist Perspective by Vandana Shiva D. Uma Devi
Abstract Environmental degradation and violence against women are the two major problems of the society. Voice against both the societal problems has been raised for years. Patriarchal systems where men own and control land are seen as responsible for the oppression of women and the destruction of the natural environment. The empowerment of women can make its contribution in reducing the impact of environmental degradation because women are the one who play major role in the management of ecological system. Ecofeminism connects the exploitation and domination of women with that of repairing social and ecological injustices. Eco feminists feel that women must work towards creating a healthy environment and ending the destruction of the land that most women rely on to provide for their families. Vandana Shiva is a social activist and a feminist whose work focuses on embracing not only the principles of feminism but also the principles of ecology. The aim and objective of this study is to analyse and interpret the textual and conceptual essence of Ecofeminism in brief with reference to Vandana Shiva‘s Staying Alive.
Key words: Ecofeminism, Degradation, Oppression, Injustice Introduction A branch of ecocriticism which has gradually gained its place is its feminist standpoint which began to be known as Ecofeminism. In 1974, the term "Ecofeminism" was conceived by d'Eaubonne as a connection of the Ecology and Women (Morgan 4). The socio-historical association between woman and nature is the starting point of Ecofeminism. Women are the ones who get affected by the
Volume 9 Issue 2
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