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THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WOMEN, EARTH

By Sitakele Maseko One Billion Rising Eswatini Community Circles Coordinator | 2024-04-26

On Saturday One Billion Rising Eswatini held a mountain circle hike in partnership with the Project OBW and Polished events in commemoration of Earth Day and calling an end to vilence towards the earth and all women.

This symbolised the connection between women and the earth.
In a world where the health of our planet is increasingly threatened, it’s crucial to recognise the deep connection between women and the Earth.

Just as the Earth suffers, so do women, and this bond underscores the significance of Earth Day. The relationship between women and the environment, shedding light on why Earth Day is not only about celebrating our planet but also about recognising and addressing the challenges faced by women worldwide.

The Earth sustains life, providing us with clean air, water, food and shelter. Yet, human activities such as deforestation, pollution and climate change have put immense strain on our planet, leading to environmental degradation and ecological imbalance.

These changes affect everyone, but they disproportionately impact women, particularly those in marginalised communities.

In many societies, women are often the primary caregivers for their families, responsible for gathering food, fetching water, and managing household resources. As environmental degradation worsens, women bear the brunt of its consequences.

For example, droughts and erratic weather patterns make it harder for women to access clean water and grow food, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, environmental degradation exacerbates existing gender inequalities.

In regions where natural resources are scarce, women may face increased competition and even conflict over access to these resources. Additionally, women are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, due to factors like limited access to information, resources, and decision-making power.

Furthermore, the degradation of the environment often leads to health problems, which disproportionately affect women. For instance, exposure to air and water pollution can result in respiratory illnesses and reproductive health issues.

Women, especially pregnant women and young children, are particularly susceptible to these health risks, further highlighting the interconnectedness of women’s well-being and environmental health.

However, despite facing the harshest consequences of environmental degradation, women are also at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Women around the world are leading grassroots movements, advocating for climate justice, and implementing innovative solutions to address environmental challenges.

Celebrating Mother Earth is an act of solidarity with future generations, ensuring that they inherit a planet that is healthy,vibrant ;resilient.

As caregivers and nurturers, women have a vested interest in preserving the Earth’s natural resources and biodiversity for the well-of their children and grandchildren. By promoting sustainable practices and lifestyles, we can create a legacy of stewardship that honours the intergenerational that connect us all.

Action
Celebrating Mother Earth is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a call to action to honor, protect and restore the planet that sustain us all. It is a recognition of profound interconnectedness of life and an acknowledgment of our collective responsibility.

Community gardens are another way to celebrate Mother Earth, by working together to cultivate and maintain green spaces.

Community members can promote sustainable agriculture, local food environment education. As we pay tribute to Mother Earth, let us rekindle the spirit of compassion, empathy and reciprocity that lies at the heart of our relationship with the natural world.

Let us draw inspiration from the resilience and wisdom of indigenous cultures and women who have long been stewards of Earth. Let us take concrete actions to address environment challenges, promote sustainability and foster a deeper connection to the Earth in our communities and societies.

By celebrating Mother Earth and embracing our role as caregivers of the planet, we can create a more just, sustainable and harmonious world for all beings to thrive.

Let us thrive to live in harmony with nature. Honouring the intricate web of life that sustains us and cherishing the precious gift of our beautiful bountiful planet. Empowering women is essential for building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Contribute
When women are given equal access to education, resources and decision-making opportunities, they can contribute significantly to environmental protection and community resilience.

Studies have shown that investing in women’s education and economic empowerment leads to better environmental outcomes, as women tend to prioritise the well-being of their families and communities.

Recognising the link between women and the Earth is not only crucial for addressing environmental challenges but also for advancing gender equality and social justice.

By acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of women in the context of environmental sustainability, we can create more inclusive and effective solutions to protect our planet and improve the lives of women and communities worldwide.

Earth Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to take action to protect our planet and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

It is a day to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world while also reflecting on the ways in which our actions impact the environment and the lives of women.

As we commemorate Earth Day each year, let us not forget the inseparable bond between women and the Earth and the collective responsibility we have to care for both. Only by working together can we create a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable world for future generations.

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