After reading the three articles, based on the readings Speak Truth to Power by Wangari Maathai and The Brazilian Slum Children Who Are Literally Swimming in Garbage by Talita Corrêa they all show the struggles faced by women and the environment, highlighting that both are victims of the same systems of exploitation and neglect. Maathai shows us the connection between environmental degradation and social justice. She argues that deforestation and environmental destruction disproportionately affect women, particularly in rural areas of Africa where women often take the responsibility for collecting firewood and water. In the text it says “They spoke of how, once, they ate food that sustained their health. Now, while the food does not require much energy to grow, it does not sustain them. The women feel their families are now very weak and cannot resist diseases, that their bodies are impoverished because of an environment that is degraded.” (Maathai 2000) This is important because the degradation of natural resources turns into a form of oppression that restricts women’s ability to fulfill basic needs and diminishes their roles in their communities. This relationship between environmental degradation and women’s empowerment shows us the oppression of women and nature. Corrêa’s article shows us how the children in Brazil suffer from environmental issues. In the text it says “Larissa Silva, a ten-year-old who has chronic ringworm covering 80 percent of her body, lives a few miles away from the Asylum’s headquarters.” (Corrêa 2014) This is important because they live in a toxic environment that not only affects their health but also limits their potential and opportunities for a better future while also limiting their resources. The oppression faced by these children reflects the oppression of millions of women across the globe who are forced to live by similar conditions due to environmental neglect. Disempowerment plays a big role in the struggles of marginalized communities. When communities like this lack political voice, educational opportunities, and economic resources, they are unable to advocate for their own needs. For example, many low-income neighborhoods face challenges that involve lack of access to quality education, and insufficient healthcare. This disempowerment makes it very hard for these communities to improve their circumstances. As for the material deprivations, these communities lack food, clothing, and shelter, making it hard to get through their daily lives.
Environmental degradation connects to these issues because many marginalized communities are located in areas that are impacted by pollution and climate change. For example, industrial waste often affects low-income neighborhoods disproportionately, causing them to have health issues they cannt afford. When resources like clean water and fertile land become recurring, the poor are mainly affected leading to further disempowerment and material deprivation. Governments and organizations must prioritize environmental justice by making sure that marginalized communities are included in decision-making processes regarding environmental policies. Creating things that focus on sustainable development can empower these communities and help them adapt to changing environmental conditions. This might include giving training for green jobs or investing in renewable energy projects that benefit low-income areas.
Corrêa, T. (2024). The Brazilian slum children who are literally swimming in Garbage. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-brazilian-slum-children-who-are-literally-swimming-in-garbage-0000197-v21n1/
Maathai, W. (2000). Key Speeches & Articles. Speak Truth to Power | The Green Belt Movement. https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai/key-speeches-and-articles/speak-truth-to-power
Hi Jeanise! I wanted to pick your brain and see what you thought about the bravery of Maathai and all that she did to ensure that the building in the middle of a Kenyan Public park was not destroyed in order to erect a skyscraper, among other brave things she did such as shut herself in her own home for days on end while she was surounded by the army in defiance of the corrupt government plans? I personally believe she was brave and determined, and although I don’t wish this turmoil on others I would hope other women especially would take after her to stand up for environmental issues and see the connection between women and nature and how activism is a solution to a lot of problems if you are determined enough!
Your evaluation correctly emphasizes the linked struggles of women and left out groups confronting environmental issues. By tying social justice and environmental degradation together, you have brought attention to an important but usually overlooked component of conversations about injustice. Your recommendation for inclusive policymaking and sustainable development is important for empowering these communities. It is important to keep advocating for policies that consider and elevate the views of those who are most affected.
Hi Jeanise! I was so moved by the article and photo of the child swimming in garbage. I have kids around the same age and the idea of them swimming in polluted rivers to find aluminum to recycle makes me sick to my stomach. Unfortunately, that is a lived reality of so many women and children. I think this piece made me realize the overlap between how women and children are treated. Women are scolded and told to be quiet, make themselves scarce, when they push against the structure of the patriarchy. Children, often, are treated similarly, as though they are too young to have real feelings that should be considered. Thanks for posting.