Ecofeminism

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Ecofeminism is a branch of feminism that encompasses the concepts of ecology and feminism. Although the term originated in the 1970s, many consider that ecofeminist practices have existed for much longer. Just as it is customary to speak of feminisms in the plural rather than feminism, ecofeminists will often use the term in the plural, to represent the diversity of experiences and points of view. Most agree that there is a connection (spiritual, material, or both) between the oppressions experienced by women and environmental destruction.

Understanding why gender justice is climate justice

Disposability discourse

Much discussion around the severity of COVID was lessened by expressing how it mainly sickens and kills elderly, chronically ill, and disabled people. This discourse suggests these groups are seen disposable. 

Loosened restrictions too early

When governments loosened COVID restrictions in response to business demands, political pressure, and public impatience, rather than scientific evidence, high risk populations (the chronically ill, disabled and elderly) were subsequently told they are disposable yet again. 

Working through illness

Regulations around how many sick days should be required when someone falls ill with COVID also demonstrated ableism. In relation to these regulations, and in favour of profit above health, many politicians including US President Joe Biden, praised themselves for working through COVID, instead of encouraging people to rest and recover if they'd fallen ill. 

Individualism

Individuals have been encouraged to make 'personal' choices on vaccines (without legitimate health restrictions), masks and gatherings.

"There is no individual safety without collective safety and collective safety requires that no one is safe unless everyone is safe." - Mia Mingus [1]

Examples of ecofeminism

Important eco-feminist leaders

Wangar ĩ Muta Maathai (Kenya) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 and founded the Green Belt Movement to fight against deforestation by enabling women to learn how to take care of the trees in their homes. community.

Maude Prud'homme (Quebec) fight against the development of hydrocarbon projects and for the protection of ancient forests. She offers training on ecofeminism.
Vandana Shiva (India) is known for her fight against GMOs and for the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge, she is considered an important ecofeminist figure of our time