I see a direct connection between the oppression of women and the oppression of nature because they are both shown as exploited and oppressed in the readings. For instance, in poor regions of the world where poverty is common, there is also intense environmental degradation. In the article titled, The Brazilian Slum Children Who Are Literally Swimming in Garbage, we are shown the disturbing images of plastic waste, garbage, and children who wade through the disgusting waters. Children and women are subjected to devastating conditions while living in slums. Paulo, the young boy swimming in heavily polluted waters, searches for aluminum cans for income, and he serves as an example of oppression in nature and in poor regions of the world.

Photo by Diego Nigro/JC Imagem

I hope that images like these will “shake the ship”. We need to deal with these issues and come up with a solution for the connection between environmental degradation and human ethics. No child, or person, should be subjected to these conditions. I believe there is a deeper rooted issue here… Its not just about oppression of nature, women and their children, and material deprivation. It’s also about humanity, ethics, and empathy. Images like the one above represent issues going on in the world that the main stream news outlets don’t talk about enough. I think mainstream news (ABC, NBC, CNN, and others) should focus on international news (such as these issues) because many people have no idea this is going on. Our society cannot continue these issues because as climate change continues and the world population continues to rise, these problems will get worse and create more human and environmental suffering.

“Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect.”
― Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai, founder of the greenbelt movement in Kenya, is an example of a ecofeminist that should be recognized for her dedication to solve a major environmental and human health issue in her country. Because of her efforts, millions of trees have been planted and she has created work for women while empowering them in the process.  She inspires hope for all, especially for the women and children in Kenya. Her story, and other grassroot movements like hers, should be known around the world. Its time that the news highlights things like this. I love how Maathai saw a problem, and she tackled it head on, despite persecution from men with a political agenda.

Wangari Maathai Quotes