Women and Nature: An Ecofeminist Study of Environmental Conservation Sustainability

Global issues include the exploitation of women and the environment exacerbated by patriarchy and capitalism. These structures lead to gender inequality and environmental degradation, especially in rural areas. However, women play a key role in conservation, such as in the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and the Chipko Movement in India. In Indonesia, Dayak women use traditional knowledge to fight against palm oil expansion. Ecofeminism offers an approach that combines gender and environmental issues for equitable sustainability. This study used a literature review method to examine ecofeminism and the role of women in environmental conservation. The sources used included relevant and credible journals, books, and reports from environmental organizations. The study focused on identifying key themes related to gender and conservation and exploring multiple perspectives to deepen understanding of the dynamics studied. This process involved rigorous evaluation of sources to ensure relevance and reliability, assisting in developing a conceptual framework that guides systematic analysis and draws logical and detailed conclusions. The results of this study show that ecofeminism critiques patriarchal structures that subordinate women and nature, often the target of exploitation. This approach promotes the integration of gender analysis in ecology for inclusive, sustainable development, emphasizing the important role of women as agents of change for a more equitable world. Ecofeminism emphasizes women's involvement in resource management and conservation leadership and their role as key agents in environmental justice and gender-sensitive policy-making.