The Feminine and Environmentalism: pausing to think about how they are inextricably linked.

With the passing of each year International Woman's day feels more and more contentious and kind of passé. Why are we still dedicating a day to women? Does this mean that every other day is man's day? What about all of the other people who don't identify in such a binary way? However, many women around the world are still suffering great oppression and need highlighting and celebrating as a mechanism of support. 

Having said all of that, this year we are claiming the day to turn the spotlight onto the relationship between the feminine and the environment. Here we have compiled four articles pertaining to the subject, they explore the themes of; how to encourage more diverse voices within the environmental sector, the relationship between how women are treated in society and how the Earth is treated, and how women already directly suffer from an unpredictably changing climate. We hope that you have a good read through these articles, and that they spark nurturing conversations within your circles - please share widely. 

White men dominate the environment sector – here’s how to encourage more diverse voices (theconversation.com)

"Improvements to embrace a more diverse and inclusive environmental sector are critical to ensuring a greener, fairer and more sustainable future for all. But this transition needs to be designed with people, rather than imposed on them. The shift can begin in a boardroom, steering group, or committee meeting. Any institution that pays attention to how it makes decisions, and who is consulted, will help to ensure the green transition is as inclusive as possible."

Resurgence • Article - When We Speak – welcome

"Neglect. Exploitation. Trauma. Suffering. If she weeps – and I’m pretty sure if you listen deeply, you will know that she does – the Earth weeps for the same reasons so many women have wept and will still weep....Not only women, of course."

The women losing their hair because of the climate crisis: ‘It’s everything to us’ | The Independent

"The narrative of hair loss extends beyond aesthetics, holding deep cultural and personal significance. Hridita says the issue “deeply relates” not just to women’s mental health, but also to their standing in society and even their future."

Ecofeminism Explores the Relationship Between Women and Nature | Teen Vogue

"If you aren’t careful, it’s easy to think environmental history started with figures like famous naturalist John Muir or other men who “conquered” or “saved” the great outdoors. But environmentalism spans centuries and women in particular have always been at the forefront. Through my research, I started to narrow in on the origins of feminism and also how different cultures around the world have made connections with women, the feminine and the earth. From earth goddesses to creation theories, there are countless metaphors and symbolisms about women and their deep ties to the earth."

"Ecofeminism is both a philosophy and a movement that exposes the dual oppressions of women and the environment as rooted in patriarchal structures. “[It] is a movement that sees a connection between the exploitation and degradation of the natural world and the subordination and oppression of women,” writes Mary Mellor in Feminism and Ecology. Ecofeminists argue that the treatment of women in society is a likely indicator of the treatment of the earth and vice versa; that because we live in a capitalist and patriarchal (or male-centered) society, the oppression of women and the destruction of nature are a natural consequence."

For more on our approaches to diversity and inclusion see: Our ways of working | Sustainable Food Places