Ecofeminism in Post-Earthquake Nepal and the Trans-Himalayan Construct

Abstract

This paper examines the ecofeminist aspects of post-earthquake rebuilding in Nepal, the Trans- Himalayan region in particular. Based on the field data collected among the women in the earthquake-affected districts of Mustang, Dolakha and Manang, the study utilized both factor analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to understand the interrelation between the ecological roles of women, vulnerabilities which they incur due to their gender and indigenous knowledge systems. The results indicate that women are instrumental not only in the preservation of the ecological sustainability but also in community rebuilding efforts. Although structural inequality still relegates women to the periphery in making formal decisions, female knowledge of the traditional environment and spirituality can play a crucial role in environmental resilience. The SEM findings indicate that eco-roles and indigenous knowledge contributes in a positive way to ecofeminist empowerment but gendered vulnerability on the contrary. In addition, the strength of indigenous knowledge molifies the impact of the vulnerability to eradicate its detrimental impact. It is in the study that emphasizes the necessity of gender-sensitive disaster policies that would appreciate and incorporate ecological contributions and traditional wisdom of women. The insights are an underpinning of inclusive recovery and development frameworks and culturally based sustainable development in the context of the Himalaya.