BY APOORVA TOMAR.
Role of Women in Fighting Climate Change
Ecofeminism: Philosophical Aspects of Relationship between Women and Nature
Women and Nature have always been equated in the past and societies, which initially revered both as Gods, have dominated and exploited them in every possible manner for their own selfish interests and convenience. The recognition of this close relationship between women and nature is evident in ancient texts, folklore, values and belief of almost every region of the world varying from Greek to Indian religious philosophy.
The nature, its forces and components have been referred to as female, principally, because of the biological aspect of reproduction and other qualities of nurturing, caring, balancing and forgiving which are attributed to women. This practice of drawing parallels between nature and women has given birth to another line of thought known as Ecofeminism.
The term Ecofeminism was coined by French feminist Francoise d’Eaubonne in the 1970s and has since been used by feminists to analyse the relationship between environmental exploitation and the oppression of women.
One distinct feature of the reason why women are still suffering in the environmental context is the concept of power and dominance of relationships in society. The location of women and nature in the same patriarchal structure has often meant that both are subjected to exploitation.
The exploitation of the environment in the same patriarchal set-up or societies which reduced in dominance of women by men because of upper class/caste or others. This philosophy represents an approach that respects nature and promotes gender equality.
In 1989, Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw advocated that women’s dominance was interconnected by many other factors apart from racial superiority. According to the theory of intersectionality, women’s vulnerability to climate changes and disasters and their lack of representation in environmental decisions is not only the result of gender discrimination but also intersection of identity categories of class, caste, colour, race etc.
Women’s Vulnerability to Climate Changes
In order to understand how women are more vulnerable to climate change, it becomes imperative to know the high dependence on natural surroundings. The traditional gendered roles attributed to women make them the caretakers and keepers of household. Women are responsible for collecting water and fuel. The natural resources and organic waste collected by women are used to supplement daily household needs and are essential for selling them in local markets either because of their medicinal properties or in the form of indigenous crafts.
Climate change results in drying of rivers, desertification, deforestation, spread of diseases, floods, cyclones etc. These changes affect women’s lives adversely. Increased competition for agricultural resources and scarcity of domestic fuel can be an additional burden. Thus, climate change further increases the problems of poor women as they become exposed to health, problems and diseases such as malaria and poor water quality.
Women make up the majority of farmers, but only 1% of arable land worldwide is owned by women, while men make up 80% of land owners. Thus, women’s lack of access to resources and property makes them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Role of Women in Climate Change
From the above discussion, one can conclude that women’s relationship with nature is important to recognise. Women have immense knowledge and experience of the natural environment and are often the first to respond to environmental changes. Their participation in climate policy and sustainable development is therefore necessary.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) states that climate change is a “common threat” and requires the participation of all sectors of society. Women’s participation in decision-making can bring different experiences and solutions to environmental issues.
It follows from the above discussion that women are more likely to be affected by climate change and environmental degradation because of their dependency upon it. At the same time, women can be powerful agents of change and play an important role in developing solutions to climate challenges.