Activism

 

 

The oppression of women coincides with the oppression of nature. In the article by  Maathai, she related to her own experience as an activist in Kenya. She confronted government policies that harmed the environment and oppressed citizens, especially women. The title of her article is all about confronting people with any power. Not only does Maathai do large speeches and create movements, she also starts to create action. She is not all about talking but also is positive and makes a change. “Moi’s ruling party parliamentarians threatened to mutilate her genitals in order to force Maathai to behave “like women should.

 

 “But Wangari Maathai was more determined than ever, and today continues her work for environmental protection, women’s rights, and democratic reform. From one seedling, an organisation for empowerment and political participation has grown many strong branches”. This little piece from Maathai’s reading shows her empowerment and struggles along the way. It is disgusting to think that she had to live this life but she is always making moves forward.

 

Behind the material deprivations and cultural losses of marginalized and poor communities, there are often deeper issues of disempowerment and environmental degradation. 

 

Environmental degradation plays a significant role in deepening poverty and marginalization. When natural resources such as land, water, or forests are depleted or polluted, it disproportionately affects the poor, who often rely directly on these resources for their livelihoods. In many cases, these communities are powerless to stop or reverse the environmental harm being done to their land, homes, and local ecosystems.

 

Citations-

Joshi, Deepak Raj. “Oppression of Women.” SpotlightNepal, New Spotlight Magazine, 18 Jan. 2021, www.spotlightnepal.com/2021/01/18/oppression-women/.