Women and Nature: Exploring the Experiences of Female Environmental Activists through Ecofeminist Theory

Abstract

Patriarchal societies often associate women with nature through perceived shared characteristics and place both in subordinate social positions. This dynamic has contributed to the development of ecofeminism, a framework that connects gender equality with ecological justice. The present study explores the experiences of female environmental activists from an ecofeminist perspective. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design. Two female activists from an environmental organization participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who were actively engaged in environmental conservation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically through three stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings show that participants personal backgrounds, motivations, and interactions within their communities shaped their views on women’s roles in environmental movements. The findings also show that women contributed substantially to environmental conservation through everyday practices and community-based initiatives. These results highlight the importance of strengthening women’s participation in environmental movements. The study provides implications for environmental organizations and policymakers to integrate gender perspectives into environmental conservation programs.