Furthering Ecofeminism

The study of ecofeminism started informally at conferences in the U.S., U.K. and Germany and though grassroots efforts in India and Africa. Today, courses and programs on ecofeminism are taught at universities and colleges worldwide.

Harvard University
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Future ecofeminists can study the subject at Harvard University and a range of other academic institutions.­

Two instructors at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth taught a course on ecofeminism and published their experience in an article titled "Breaking boundaries: ecofeminism in the classroom." Catherine Villanueva Gardner's and Jeannette E. Riley's course was listed as "Ecofeminism: Theory and Practice" and set out to define ecofeminism and teach various ecofeminist approaches to both local and global women's issues. In tandem with teaching the theory and practice of ecofeminism, Gardner and Riley also intended for the course to "enable students to see themselves as citizens who must engage responsibly with complex social issues" [source: Gardner and Riley]. The educational approach to ecofeminism not only enlightens students to the theories and practices of the movement, but also helps enlist new ecofeminists to the cause.

EcoFeminism in Action
Where to Study

  • Athabasca University in Canada
  • Bucknell University
  • Colorado College
  • Harvard University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Northland College
  • Oregon State
  • San Francisco State University
  • University of North West Texas
  • University of Toronto

Who to Read

  • Rachel Carson
  • Petra Kelly (founder of the German Green Party)
  • Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai (founder of the Green Belt Movement)
  • Mary Mellor
  • Maria Mies
  • Val Plumwood
  • Mary Judith Ress
  • Rosemary Reuther
  • Vandana Shiva (founder of Navdanya)
  • Noël Sturgeon
  • Karen Warren

What to Watch

  • Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott's documentary "The Corporation," (2003)
  • Sam Bozzo's documentary "Blue Gold: World Water Wars," (2008)
  • Greta Gaard's short film "Ecofeminism Now," (1996)
  • Peter Raymont's documentary "Bhopal: The Search for Justice," (2004)


To learn more about ecofeminism, women and environmental agencies, look over the links on the next page.