At the intersection of feminism and environment activism, ecofeminism has highlighted the link between women and protecting nature. So, what impacts has ecofeminism had on development and environmental policies?

IRevealing inherent flaws

1 A new approach

Ecofeminism represents a progressive approach that recognises the interconnectedness of social, environmental and gender issues. This emerging ideology challenges the dominant systems of oppression and exploitation by highlighting the parallel between women and nature.

The movement has been gaining popularity and has revealed major flaws in the current system of development and the patriarchal way of thinking.

2 Exposing domination patterns

Ecofeminist movements have advocated for policies that promote renewable energy, reduce pollution, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, recognising the disproportionate burdens faced by marginalised communities, particularly women. It has thus contributed to a more holistic policy landscape.

From an ecofeminist perspective, the global economy is widening the inequality gap. This logic where nature is subordinate to trade, women to men and the South to the North prevents governments from ensuring truly diverse, sustainable and inclusive measures.

Ecofeminism aims at capitalising on women’s empowerment to protect the environment. One example could be to offer greater autonomy to women farmers, an idea that was developed by two trailblazing women activists: Vandana Shiva and Wangari Maathai.

IIEco-warriors

1 Vandana Shiva (India)

Vandana Shiva (born 1952) has focused her attention on promoting the use of hybrid seeds, non-GMO grains and green pesticides during the Green Revolution in India.

Vandana Shiva claims that this Green Revolution increased farmers’ dependence on major Western corporations, such as Monsanto. Consequently, the agri-food industry gained major profit and power, yet did not make any effort to help the most vulnerable out of poverty (women and indigenous people).

However, critics argue that her stance can hinder scientific progress and technological advancements in agriculture. She has also been accused of misrepresenting data, raising concern about the objectivity of her work.

2 Wangari Maathai (Kenya)

In sub-Saharan Africa, women produce up to 80% of food. As a result, women have been hit hard by non-sustainable and non-inclusive agricultural models.

Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) is the founder of the Green Belt Movement, created in 1977 and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

The Green Belt Movement aims at empowering women by planting trees in East Africa. To this day, about 30,000 women have been trained in forestry, food processing, bee-keeping and other trades, allowing them to address both the ecological catastrophe of deforestation and desertification, and advocating for women’s traditional ecological knowledge.