DECOLONIAL FEMINISM MEETS EECOFEMINISM

DECOLONIAL FEMINISM MEETS EECOFEMINISM

“Feminism involves so much more than gender equality. And it involves so much more than gender.” - Angela Davis

DECOLONIAL FEMINISM

Is a feminism that offers a multidimensional analysis of oppression and refuses to divide race, sexuality, and class into mutually exclusive categories.

RELATING DECOLONIAL FEMINISM AND ECOFEMINISM

Both groups have historically been oppressed, marginalized and discriminated against by European impositions during the colonizations.

These effects were seen in land displacement (where they have traditionally been displaced as a result of exploiting the resources), cultural oppression (where the communities were forced to erase their culture to adopt the customs, religion and language of the european colonizers), and the imposition of European ideals of social hierarchy and beauty.

ECOFEMINISM

It is an extension of the feminist movement that examines how gender and nature intersect; ecofeminism claims that there is dualism between the definitions of humanity’s relationship with nature.

TEAM

A01784565 ANA MARÍA MORENO HAYEK

A01782112 RENATA IBARRA ROCHA

"Ecofeminism links human rights and development to achieve a human-centered approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its impacts in an equitable and just manner” (Mary Robinson Foundation, 2022).

A01785356 MAGDALENA MÁRQUEZ RAMOS

Timeline

Decolonial Feminism Emerges1970s-1980s

Decolonial Feminism Gains Momentum 1990s-2000s

Ecofeminism Arises 1970s-1980s

Intersection of Decolonial Feminism and Ecofeminism 21st Century

A01274146 GALILEA SALAZAR TREJO

REFERENCES

GLOSSARY

Who do they represent?

Women and the Environment

Ecofeminism explores the interconnectedness of the oppression of women and the exploitation of the environment, highlighting the parallels between the objectification of women and nature within patriarchal and capitalist frameworks. Both perspectives recognize the importance of intersectionality, acknowledging that individuals can face multiple forms of oppression simultaneously based on factors such as race, class, gender, and sexuality.

While decolonial feminism tends to focus on dismantling colonial structures, and ecofeminism emphasizes environmental justice, their shared commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering sustainable relationships with the environment allows for meaningful intersections in activism and scholarship.

It draws a comparison between the exploitation of nature and that of women, where it criticizes how this system of domination sees both women and the environment as resources to exploit. This has a negative impact on our lives, as it is said that our bodies are related to nature as we need it to survive and damaging it, in a way, is damaging our own bodies. In the fight for environmental justice, women are frequently at the vanguard, promoting conservation, sustainable practices, and community well-being. Decolonial feminism and ecofeminism share a common thread in their critiques of power structures and their commitment to justice.

Decolonial feminism centers on dismantling colonial and imperialist systems, emphasizing the intersectionality of oppression and advocating for the rights of women, particularly those of color, within broader social, economic, and political contexts.

GALILEA SALAZAR TREJO

Decolonial feminism and ecofeminism stand as crucial frameworks for understanding and dismantling intersecting systems of oppression. They offer profound significance as a Latin American woman navigating the academic and professional spheres, particularly as an economic student. For me, decolonial feminism provided a lens to deconstruct the enduring impact of colonial legacies on gender relations, highlighting the necessity of decolonizing both thought and institutions. As part of the Latinx community, I grapple with the historical and ongoing consequences of colonization. Nonetheless, I’m keenly conscious that, even as a Latin American woman, where I stand may differ from others because of the privileges I’ve been afforded. However, finding decolonial feminism has been a tool to articulate everyone’s unique experience and challenge dominant narratives. Simultaneously, ecofeminism underscores the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and gender-based injustices, urging me to earnestly contemplate directing my academic and professional trajectory toward the comprehensive study and application of sustainable and equitable economic models. Ecofeminism resonates with me as I witness the disproportionate impact of environmental crises on vulnerable communities, reinforcing the inseparable ties between ecological and gender justice. As an economic student, I now can see the pressing need to integrate these frameworks into my studies, recognizing that true economic empowerment requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the cultural, social, and environmental dimensions. In embracing decolonial feminism and ecofeminism, I envision a transformative path towards a more just and sustainable future, one that reflects the rich tapestry of Latin American experiences and challenges conventional economic paradigms.

Where do they come from?

It is said that it comes from various places in the south of the world but it has a great presence in indigenous women from Latin America, all while providing a space for the voices and lived experiences of marginalized, non-Western(ised) women.

Why are they important?

Decolonial feminisms hold significance as they challenge the enduring impacts of colonialism on women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of historically silenced women, these perspectives contribute to a more inclusive feminist narrative. Importantly, decolonial feminisms work to dismantle Eurocentric frameworks, fostering a globally relevant understanding of gender justice that respects diverse cultural perspectives.

Why are they important?

Ecofeminism is crucial for its holistic approach, intertwining gender, environmental, and social justice concerns. It challenges patriarchal and capitalist structures that contribute to both the exploitation of women and the degradation of the environment. By advocating for environmental justice and emphasizing the intersectionality of oppression, ecofeminism strives to create a more equitable and sustainable world. It urges a reconnection with nature, rejecting the notion of humans as separate from the environment, and amplifies the voices of those, particularly women, directly affected by environmental issues. In doing so, ecofeminism contributes to a vision of long-term sustainability that recognizes the intricate interdependence of ecological and social well-being.

What do they criticize?

Ecofeminism critiques patriarchal and capitalist systems that perpetuate gender inequality and environmental exploitation. It challenges the dualistic separation of humans from nature, advocating for a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of social and ecological issues. “A culture dominated by capitalist patriarchy—how societal values and ethics are controlled by a profit-driven, sexist and male-centered society—and seeks to highlight how these oppressive systems work together to facilitate the mutual exploitation of women and nature” (Rai, K., 2022).

RENATA IBARRA ROCHA

As a young Mexican woman studying digital art, acting, and photography, ecofeminism and decolonial feminism significantly shape my worldview and professional approach. In digital art, ecofeminism guides me to consider the environmental impact of my creative processes, encouraging sustainable practices. Meanwhile, decolonial feminism prompts me to challenge Eurocentric narratives and celebrate diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity. In acting and photography, decolonial feminism influences my choices of stories and images, pushing me to amplify marginalized voices and challenge stereotypes. These feminist perspectives not only enhance the ethical dimensions of my work but also contribute to a more just and inclusive artistic landscape. Through my art, I aspire to not only create aesthetically pleasing pieces but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Who do they represent?

Indigenous and black women in Latin America, as well as women who are not part of white communities or predominantly white countries.

Barbara Smith, "Racism and Women's Studies," But Some of Us Are Brave (Old Westbury: Feminist Press, 1982), p. 49 Consejo Nacional para Prevenir la Discriminación. (2016). Glosario de la diversidad sexual, de género y características sexuales. CONAPRED. https://www.conapred.org.mx/documentos_cedoc/Glosario_TDSyG_WEB.pdf Curiel, O. (2009). Descolonizando el feminismo: Una perspectiva desde América Latina y el Caribe. Feministas. https://feministas.org/IMG/pdf/Ochy_Curiel.pdf Manning, J. (2021). Decolonial feminist theory: Embracing the gendered colonial difference in management and organisation studies. Wiley Open Library. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12673 Mary Robinson Foundation. (2022). Ecofeminism. Mary Robinson Foundation. https://www.mrfcj.org/principles-of-climate-justice/ Rai, K. (2022). What is Ecofeminism and why is it relevant today?. Rock & Art. https://www.rockandart.org/what-is-ecofeminism-why-is-it-relevant-today/ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2015). Feminist Environmental Philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-environmental/ Vergès, F. (2021). A Decolonial Feminism. Pluto Press. https://0-eds-s-ebscohost-com.biblioteca-ils.tec.mx/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fMjkwNTg1NF9fQU41?sid=468a5fe4-c530-4473-967a-f021d8ea638a@redis&vid=1&format=EB Manning, J. (2021). Decolonial feminist theory: Embracing the gendered colonial difference in management and organisation studies. Gender, Work, and Organization, 28(4), 1203–1219. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gwao.12673

Where do they come from?

Ecofeminism began in the 1970s as a political movement. Francoise d’Eaubonne developed the term ecological feminism in 1972, she argued that “the destruction of the planet is due to the profit motive inherent in male power”. In 1974, she officially introduced the term ecofeminism in her book “Feminism or Death”.

What do they criticize?

It criticizes Western representation of the “other” and reveals how knowledge produced in and by the West is layered with colonial power, thereby creating and sustaining a politics of Western knowledge dominance and rendering the “other” an object of knowledge (Manning, 2021).

ANA MARÍA MORENO HAYEK

Analyzing decolonial feminism and ecofeminism has been a powerful tool in my life, as it has made me think about the perspective I had on the interaction between power, oppression, and justice. Decolonial feminism, which refuses to romanticize race, sexuality, and class, teaches us its commitment to inclusion and interrogates the lasting effects of colonialism on marginalized women. In this manner, it aims to make the voices of indigenous and black women in Latin America be heard while offering a critique of Western representations and encouraging a feminist narrative that is more sensitive to cultural differences. Ecofeminism has become a powerful force that combines environmental justice, development, and human rights in a global strategy. It speaks to the connection between social and ecological well-being, asks for the restoration of nature, criticizes capitalist and patriarchal structures, and makes a strong connection between the exploitation of women and the environment. Although these two feminisms focus on different issues, decolonial feminism, and ecofeminism share a dedication to ending oppressive structures, recognizing the importance of intersectionality, and picturing a more fair and sustainable future. While studying these feminist perspectives, I realized the importance of activism and how crucial it is to research systemic inequalities and speak up for a respectful and conscious relationship with our environment.

Feminism: Feminism is the political theory and practice that struggles to free all women: women of color, working-class women, poor women, disabled women, lesbians, old women as well as white, economically privileged, heterosexual women. Anything less than this vision of total freedom is not feminism, but merely female self-aggrandizement. (Barbara Smith) Ecofeminism: This is an extension of the feminist movement that examines how gender and nature intersect; ecofeminism claims that there is a dualism between the definitions of humanity’s relationship with nature. Decolonial Feminism: an approach that challenges and seeks to dismantle the interconnected systems of colonialism, patriarchy, and other forms of oppression. It aims to center the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, particularly women, in order to critique and transform structures that perpetuate inequality, while recognizing the importance of decolonization in achieving gender justice. Gender: It refers to the attributes that socially, historically, culturally, economically, politically, and geographically, among others, have been assigned to men and women. It refers to the characteristics that, socially and culturally, have been identified as “masculine” and “feminine.” Sex: The biological characteristics (genetic, hormonal, anatomical, and physiological) based on which people are classified as males or females of the human species at birth, named men or women, respectively. Gender equality: Gender equality refers to the equal rights, opportunities, and treatment of individuals regardless of their gender. It involves breaking down traditional stereotypes, norms, and discriminatory practices to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender, has the same access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power in various aspects of life.

MAGDALENA MÁRQUEZ RAMOS

It is super important to learn from decolonial feminism and how those impositions by European societies impacted the communities of our countries and how those impositions continue to exist and alter the harmonies of indigenous groups, especially women. In this class I learned about how the customs, beliefs and lifestyle of pre-existing communities in America and also Africa were practically eliminated by colonialism. On the other hand, ecofeminism was also discussed. Before this class I had not heard about this type of feminism and once I learned what it is about, I realized that it is something that we urgently have to put into practice, especially given the environmental situation in which we find ourselves. I also found it interesting how ecofeminism relates to our lives and our bodies.