what is ecofeminism? In the words of the United Nations Environment Programme, “Around the world, environmental conditions impact the lives of women and men in different ways as a result of existing inequalities. Gender roles often create differences in the ways men and women act in relation to the environment, and in the ways men and women are enabled or prevented from acting as agents of environmental change” (2016). In its most basic terms, ecofeminism is a form of feminist theory that looks at how environmental issues are fundamentally linked with gender inequalities. Thus, ecofeminists seek to dismantle how traditional gender roles and the patriarchy dictate our interactions with the environment.
why is it necessary? The goals of ecofeminism are rooted in two key issues: The unequal impact of ecological problems upon women: The effects of climate change are disproportionate across the world, heavily exacerbating existing inequalities. A critical part of ecofeminism is understanding how women specifically are more often disproportionately affected by climate crises such as drought, famine, and extreme weather events. For example, in developing countries and rural areas women are often deprived of political and financial agency and are therefore unable to relocate when affected by natural disasters or climate change. Likewise, when there is a environmental disaster, these women are far more susceptible to gender based violence, human trafficking, or being forced into sex work in order to provide for themselves and their families (Tower, 2020). Eco-sexism and the responsibility of climate action: On top of these physical inequalities, there is the socio-political tradition that conflates environmental responsibility with femininity, and destruction/consumption with masculinity. As such, the onus of climate action has repeatedly been delegated to women. One example in a survey from the United States found that women make up 76% of vegans, and 75% of animal rights groups (Hunt, 2020). Similarly, minimalism and zero-waste products are marketed almost exclusively towards women. In direct contrast, fossil fuel usage has acted as a historical platform for white patriarchal growth, imperialism and expansion, seeing environmentally insensitive activities such as coal rolling and carnivore diets intrinsically linked with masculinity.
how do i practice ecofeminism in my own life? There are many ways one can be climate conscious in their everyday life, whether that is choosing to cut back on meat and animal products, using more minimal-waste and reusable products, or even using public transport or walking more. However, practicing ecofeminism is employing that climate consciousness and creating discussions surrounding a universal responsibility. You can practice Ecofeminism in many ways; by listening to Indigenous voices on sustainable practices, joining your enviro-collective on campus, chatting to your friends about climate issues, and doing what you can to educate yourself. Remember, not everyone can quit their lives and join an off-the grid commune in the mountains. Seek to progress rather than to be perfect and keep yourself open-minded to learn more.
by Kate Scott
ecofeminism 101
Growing Strong
UNEP 2016. Global Gender and Environment Outlook The Critical Issues. United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. pp. 90 Röhr, U., et al., (2008). Gender justice as the basis for sustainable climate policies: a feminist background paper. German NGO Forum on Environment and Development. 6 Tower, Amali. 2020. “The Gendered Impacts Of Climate Displacement — Climate Refugees”. Climate Refugees, climate-refugees.org/perspectives/ U S y d Wo C o 2 0 2 1 genderedimpactsofclimatechange
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