Ecofeminism
Ecofeminism joins feminism and ecology. It argues that the domination of women and the domination of nature are connected: both come from patriarchal (male-dominated) ways of thinking that treat women and nature as passive and there to be used. The French writer Françoise d’Eaubonne coined the term in 1974.
In India, Vandana Shiva, in *Staying Alive* (1988), argued that Western-style “maldevelopment” harmed both nature and women, especially rural women who depend directly on forests, water and seeds. The Chipko movement in the Garhwal Himalaya (now Uttarakhand) is a famous example. In 1974 at Reni village, Gaura Devi led local women who hugged trees to stop contractors from felling them. Women collect fuel, fodder and water, so they feel deforestation first.
Green politics
Green politics turns ecological ideas into political parties. Common Green values are ecological wisdom, social justice, grassroots democracy and non-violence.
- Germany: *Die Grünen* (The Greens) was founded in 1980, with Petra Kelly as a leading founder. The party entered the Bundestag (federal parliament) in 1983, and from 1998 to 2005 it was part of the federal government in coalition with the Social Democrats. It campaigned against nuclear power and for peace and environmental protection.
- England (Britain): a party called PEOPLE was founded in 1973, one of the first green parties in Europe. It became the Ecology Party in 1975 and the Green Party in 1985. Because of the first-past-the-post voting system, it has won few seats in Parliament, though it has influenced other parties.
Key points
- Ecofeminism → term by Françoise d’Eaubonne (1974).
- Vandana Shiva → *Staying Alive* (1988).
- Chipko → Gaura Devi, Reni village, 1974.
- German Greens → founded 1980, Bundestag 1983, Petra Kelly.
- British green party → PEOPLE (1973) → Ecology Party (1975) → Green Party (1985).
Exam tips
Match the person to the idea: d’Eaubonne (term), Shiva (Indian ecofeminism), Kelly (German Greens), Gaura Devi (Chipko). Germany’s Greens are the classic example of a successful Green party.
Common mistakes
- Saying Vandana Shiva coined “ecofeminism”; d’Eaubonne did.
- Mixing up Gaura Devi (Chipko leader in Reni) with Amrita Devi (Bishnoi sacrifice in 1730).
- Thinking the British Greens were always called the Green Party.