By Tshidy Phakoe
In recent years, the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and gender inequality has become increasingly evident, with Lesotho being no exception. The country faces significant challenges related to both the climate crisis and the unequal treatment of women, especially in rural areas. The unusual snowfalls in what should be the spring season, has led to crop failures and livestock deaths in Lesotho, it has caused a great damage and loss to the rural women who depend on subsistence farming. Impact of Climate Change on Rural Women, who rely heavily on subsistence farming, are disproportionately affected by climate change. Situation in Lesotho, where snowfall has prevented planting and led to livestock deaths, these changes threaten food security and livelihoods, increasing the vulnerability of women in rural areas.
To address these issues comprehensively, it is crucial to adopt an ecofeminist political stance that focuses on dismantling the systemic exploitation of both women and the environment. Ecofeminism is a movement that recognizes the deep connections between the oppression of women and the exploitation of nature. In societies like Lesotho, patriarchal systems have long dominated, leading to gender-based discrimination and environmental degradation. These systems treat nature and women as resources to be controlled and exploited, contributing to widespread issues such as deforestation, land degradation, and the depletion of natural resources.
The consequences of these practices disproportionately affect women, who are often the primary caregivers and food providers in rural communities. As climate change worsens, women bear the brunt of environmental disasters, including droughts and food insecurity. This dual oppression, of women and nature, underscores the need for an ecofeminist approach to climate justice. The climate crisis knows no gender, yet its impacts are felt differently across the social and gender spectrum. In Lesotho, women are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation because of their roles in agriculture, water collection, and household management. With changing climate patterns, the burden on women increases as they struggle to find food, water, and fuel for their families. At the same time, they are often excluded from decision-making processes about land use and environmental management, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation.
An ecofeminist political stance advocates for equal participation of women in environmental governance and promotes the rights of women to access and control resources. By involving women in climate solutions, from tree planting to sustainable agricultural practices, we can create more resilient communities that are better able to adapt to climate change. This approach recognizes that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing gender inequality. One of the fundamental goals of ecofeminism is to dismantle the patriarchal structures that perpetuate both environmental degradation and gender inequality. In Lesotho, as in many parts of the world, these systems are deeply entrenched, manifesting in practices that devalue women’s contributions and ignore the vital role they play in environmental stewardship.
A political stance that aligns with ecofeminist principles seeks to challenge these structures by promoting policies that protect both women and the environment. For instance, advocating for comprehensive sexual education helps address the broader issue of gender-based violence, which is often linked to the systemic exploitation of women. At the same time, initiatives like tree planting and sustainable land use can mitigate the effects of climate change while empowering women as agents of change. Hope for Rural Women Assembly response is the agroforestry initiative to plant 1,000 trees across the country, this project aims to combat climate change while providing long-term benefits for the environment and communities, such as improving soil fertility and providing sustainable resources.
To create a just and sustainable future for Lesotho, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that combines feminist ideals with environmental justice. By supporting initiatives such as tree planting and advocating for the empowerment of women through education and economic opportunities, we can build more resilient communities that are equipped to face the challenges of climate change. An ecofeminist political view holds immense potential for Lesotho as it addresses the root causes of both environmental degradation and gender inequality. We urge all stakeholders—governments, civil society, and individuals—to support ecofeminist initiatives that promote equality, sustainability, and justice. Only by working together can we ensure a future where both people and the environment are equally valued and protected.
