Is Eco-Feminism the Future of the Women's Movement?
Environmentalism has become increasingly popular among society in latter years. From the Standing Rock protests to the People's Climate March of 2017, to the United States decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord, a Green Movement is transpiring. With the rise of Green Politics and Women emerging from the seams of a female dominant movement, Me Too-There is a large connection between the ecology in society and female empowerment.
What is Eco-Feminism?
Eco-Feminism is a term coined by French Writer, Francoise d’Eaubonne, in her book La Feminisme Ou La Mort. To put it into perspective, she is the Betty Friedan of France. The word is used to describe the connection between ecology and gender. It correlates the ideas of feminists beliefs and ecology causing thinkers to question the reasoning behind male dominance in a patriarchal society. Henceforth it is a ideology in which many ecofeminists believe there is a social construct between women and nature. For example, women associate with the moon due to menstruation, women give birth, and women are naturally seen as submissive towards men. To a great extent, this displays that eco-feminists seek nothing more than to uncover what our true purpose is in nature.
Beginning of Female Empowerment
A rise in Environmentalism and Feminism appeared during the late 70s and early 80s when promotion of women and the natural world came into light. A coalition of young women from the United States met to discuss the ways in which males overpower females within nature. Thus, closely looking at the roles in which the environment portrays the genders. Moreover, females are seen as chaotic, unnerving, overly emotional, irrational beings while men are seen as more in control, calm, and collected. This shows an unjust depiction of females in society exploiting their identity.
A prominent figure in the ecofeminist movement is Theologist, Ynestra King who pleaded with female environmentalists to seek liberation in order to defeat nature’s patriarchy.
The Initiative
Ecological Feminism from the habitual stereotype of liberal feminism internationally spreading. It’s simply to pose a new idea to which men and women are equal relating to nature. Essentialism is argued in this ideology as it defines a human or animal to a specific trait. In essence, your attributes create your identity. Traditional feminists believe society plays a role in why women are so submissive. However, eco-feminists tend to re-evaluate that idea thus making it a more positive approach-we must embrace the idea of nurturing and giving life.
To conclude, ecofeminism takes a further approach towards the modernized Woman’s Movement. With a rise in ecological developments and women taking action more than ever before, it is becoming apparent we could see a repeat in what I like to call “Green Feminism”. Progressivism and young individuals are changing society faster than ever. Women are becoming more aware of the rights they DO have. In fact, the US has seen a surge in more women becoming interested in running for office. With that said, Eco Feminism has future. All it takes is female perseverance and understanding the ecology as to why we are here.
https://voicesforbiodiversity.org/articles/the-growing-importance-of-ecofeminism