Ecofeminism: Linking Gender Equality and Environmental Justice

Ecofeminism explores how the oppression of women is tied to environmental degradation, both stemming from patriarchal systems. Françoise d'Eaubonne first coined the term in her 1974 book, "Le Feminisme ou la Mort." Key figures like Vandana Shiva have confronted harmful industrial practices in India, while Carolyn Merchant’s "The Death of Nature" links ecological damage to women's subjugation. The movement champions values like nurturing and cooperation, highlighting the connections between gender inequality and resource exploitation. It critiques patriarchy for treating both women and nature as commodities and addresses issues related to race, class, and global inequalities. Despite facing criticism for essentialism, ecofeminists focus on the harmful effects of patriarchy and colonialism on women and the planet through their activism and research.