Ecofeminism or when women fight for environmental protection
In a time when the climate is causing great concern, ecofeminism is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Ecofeminism is a movement that is no longer so young, primarily fighting for women's rights, and is now re-emerging due to the urgent climate issue. With books, documentaries, conferences, and even demonstrations, the supporters of this movement are increasingly making their voices heard. This philosophy is still little known in France, but is gaining ground on an international level. What is ecofeminism? Where does this trend come from? To what extent have its goals already been achieved? And above all: Does it really have a reason to exist? We have taken stock for you.
What is ecofeminism?
As the name suggests, ecofeminism arose from the intersection of the feminist movement and the ecological movement. In general, it is a philosophy that fights against the patriarchal system, sexism, inequality, male dominance, and the capitalist system that enslaves women and destroys the environment. It is a philosophy that takes a stand against violence against women and for environmental protection. It is represented by the Indian activist Vandanna Shiva, a globally emblematic figure of ecofeminism.
There are various facets of ecofeminism. These include cultural ecofeminism, social ecofeminism, political ecofeminism, and spiritual ecofeminism.
Origins of Ecofeminism
The term "ecofeminism" was coined in the 1970s by Françoise d'Eaubonne, one of the pioneers of the movement, in her book "Le féminisme ou la mort" (Feminism or Death). At that time, the ecology-feminism movement was in full swing, especially in the United States. Leaflets and demonstrations were organized by committed women who felt threatened by the nuclear disasters. These were women who had already engaged as feminists in the anti-nuclear movement to protect the environment. This is where the first ecofeminist movements emerged. This was also the case for the group "Women and Life on Earth". In 1980, the Pentagon was stormed by 2,000 women in a spectacular demonstration filled with tears, screams, singing, and dancing. As a result, peaceful struggles by women demanding equality and peace to protect the environment emerged worldwide.
Association of Woman with Nature
How do we come to the idea that the question of nature could be a question of women? Why associate women with nature? Women are inherently more connected to the environment. The length of the 29-day menstrual cycle corresponds to the lunar cycle. Likewise, it brings the ability to give birth and breastfeed "Mother Nature" much closer. Conversely, men detach themselves from Mother Nature to prove their masculinity. Sociologist Carolyn Merchant criticizes this ideological concept of essentialism. In her opinion, we need to move away from these stereotypes. She rejects any notion that women have a special knowledge of nature, if not a better knowledge of it, and that they can therefore handle it better. She believes that this contradicts the very foundation of feminism, which advocates for the emancipation and liberation of women. However, her commitment to the environment cannot be denied. Long before the founding of the ecofeminist movement, women were concerned about the fate of nature by denouncing the harmful effects of pesticides. Still, more women than men are fighting against the destruction of natural habitats.
Ecofeminists: What are their demands?
The ecofeminist movement has capitalism and patriarchy in its sights. In light of the dominance of men and capitalism over women and nature, ecofeminism demands the emancipation of women from the violence inflicted upon them by patriarchal rule. Ecofeminist women and men are aware that there is an undeniable connection between the oppression of women and nature, and that every feminist movement must take into account a more ecological worldview. At the same time, all solutions to environmental problems should consider the feminist perspective.
Is ecofeminism a necessity?
In its beginnings, the movement was created to save humanity from the harmful actions of men, no matter how precarious they may be. The industrial revolution and war were a threat to the future of humanity. These feminist movements were more than necessary at that time, but is this still the case today?
"It is clear that this movement is even more essential in the 21st century than before. We are currently living in the midst of an ecological catastrophe: global warming, glacier melting, mass species extinction... Ecological action is necessary on all fronts."
Ecofeminism is not only about the environment and the preservation of species, but also about the social fate of people. These human rights defenders and activists fight for equality, the right to abortion and contraception, women's voting rights, the abolition of all forms of gender oppression and violence, against gender inequality, sexual harassment or sexual violence (rape, domestic violence, etc.), modern slavery. But above all, they fight for the protection and emancipation of women based on the principle of sisterhood.
The modern ecofeminism in our society
Modern feminists are completely in harmony with nature. Ecofeminism occupies an important place in society today. For several years now, a collective awareness of the ecological emergency has been felt worldwide. Thanks to the development of new communication technologies, the internet and social networks actively contribute to the dissemination of ecofeminist ideology and actions.
New, women-led companies like EarthSpark International are committed to climate protection. Many women are getting involved in traditionally male-dominated fields to restore the balance of power. Thanks to the influence of feminist environmental activists, people's daily lives have generally become healthier. Ecological movements are emerging, with people wanting to live in a more natural world where organic products and less environmentally harmful products are promoted under the motto of recycling. Examples include cleaning agents, food, cosmetics, and reusable, chemical-free period underwear.
Ecofeminism in France
Although this neologism "ecofeminism" was born in France, the movement was initially more Anglophone than Francophone. The French were hard to engage. Many feminists and environmentalists were not interested in it or did not even know that this movement existed. Françoise d'Eaubonne remained unknown to the general public, as did the big names of ecofeminism, Maria Mies or Vandana Shiva. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to say that the movement did not exist at all in France at that time. It just was not as successful as in the Anglo-Saxon countries. The reasons for this were that the ecologists of the 1970s were predominantly men and that feminists were less concerned about environmental issues.
"Only the Cop21 in Paris has made the movement more popular in France. Many people are starting to take an interest in the topic, even if it is still not very well known. At the last Cop24, the globalization opponents and eco-feminists finally emerged from their pseudo-anonymity, in which they had remained invisible for over 30 years. Let us hope that this will now change forever and that their dream will no longer remain a utopia."
