Environmentalism and Gender Equality

If women are in positions of political power, then there is a greater chance that there will be more support towards environmental protection. In Gender Equality and State Environmentalism by Kari Norggard and Richard York, they found that with more women in Parliament, then environmental treaties are more likely to be ratified (Norgaard, York 506). Through various studies, they show a contrast between men’s and women’s views for “environmental concern, values and perceptions of environmental risks” (Noorgard, York 508). Across the world, women and girls have more environmental awareness than boys and men. Regarding environmental values and beliefs between genders, it was concluded that “German and Russian girls had higher levels of environmental awareness than boys; in Australia, girls exhibited greater environmental responsibility than did boys when socioeconomic levels were held constant and in Norway…” it was found that “boys and girls were equally concerned about the environment” but “…girls were more likely to join environmental organizations” (Norgaard, York 509). It could be stated that through socialization, women are typically looked at as caretakers, providing a nurturing, family-oriented nature (Norgaard, York 508). Therefore, the connection between women, nature, and overall environmental concerns are more interconnected than that of man (Noorgard, York 508). Since women are more connected to nature, they are more likely to support the protection of our environment. Whether it is toxic substances poisoning our planet, or nuclear power, women are more likely to take a stand and consider the risks that threaten our people and earth (Noorgard, York 508). 

Women make up the majority of both grassroots movements and environmental organizations which could be linked to the “gendered divisions of labor, land and other resources,” which means that “women have been uniquely and disproportionately affected by ecological destruction” (Noorgard, York 507). Due to the sexism, as well as poverty and racism that plagues our country and around the globe, high-powered, dominant groups and individuals subject the people below them to the destruction of the environment and its hazardous effects (Noorgard, York 510). It has been shown that the patriarchy and capitalism are both suppressive, ecologically unsustainable and exploit both women and the environment. 

After reading about how women are the majority of grassroots efforts and environmental organizations, I looked into women in positions of political power and their influence on the environment. I came across an organization called Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA). The WEA is led by women, and they use grassroots solutions to help protect the environment as well as strengthen communities. The WEA recognizes that women are pivotal in rising against climate change. One woman from Central Kalimantan, Palangka Raya, Indonesia, helps educate and raise awareness on plastic pollution, climate action, forestry problems and helps to coordinate events of Dayak traditions and culture in order to help cultivate pride (WEA). Her name is Sumarni Laman and she is the manager at Ranu Welum for communications and public relations, a youth coordinator for Ranu Welum, a Field Coordinator of the Heartland Project and Guardian of Kalimantan Rainforest (WEA). Within The Heartland Project, Laman was able to bring in over a thousand people to help plant more than 2,500 trees (WEA). The trees are planted on land that was previously forest but was destroyed from burning or it was mined (WEA). Below is an image of Sumarni Laman.

Another woman from the Women’s Earth Alliance is Rose Wamalwa who is the East African program director where she is a Fellow for the Global Women’s Water Initiative (WEA). To this day, Wamalwa works for climate justice for women in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya (WEA). Wamalwa also founded an organization called Women in Water and Natural Resources Conservation (WEA). This organization helps to uplift and improve the lives of women, girls and vulnerable children in East Africa by helping them gain access to health care, education and “capacity building for economic empowerment” (WEA). Wamalwa is deeply interested and invested in women’s empowerment, leadership, community and social entrepreneurship (WEA).

Below is an image of Rose Wamalwa. 

 As stated above from Gender Equality and State Environmentalism by Kari Norggard and Richard York, women are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, and “make up 80% of the world’s climate refugees and are 14 times more likely to die in a climate-related disaster than men” (WEA). The imagery above shows a representation of the interconnection of women across the world. The web indicates that women are standing together and are connected to each other as well as nature, fighting for environmental justice and working towards equality within the patriarchal and capitalist world we live in. 

Works Cited: 

Norgaard, Kari., & York, Richard. Gender Equality and State Environmentalism. Gender & Society. August. 2005. https://pages.uoregon.edu/norgaard/pdf/Gender-Equality-Norgaard-York-2005.pdf

Women’s Earth Alliance. Womens Earth Alliance, Earth Island Institute, 24 Jan. 2023, https://womensearthalliance.org/.