Ecofeminism Perspectives on Socio-ecological Resilience: Pathways to a Sustainable Quality of Life in Bengaluru
摘要
Social-ecological resilience (SER) establishes ecological health for human well-being. Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept to achieve human development goals. Ecofeminism aligns basic feminist tenets of equality with ecology. The intertwining of these concepts is important for a holistic understanding of sustainability. The chapter aims to assess the role of ecofeminism in achieving SER and QoL in the Indian context. Ostrom’s SER framework is used to analyse a lake as a resource system, the interactions of actors and identified ecological indicators. QoL is evaluated using parameters of gender inclusivity, access to urban commons and community-driven environmental activism. The chapter adopts a mixed-method approach, combining thematic analysis, case study examination and interviews. Bengaluru is the fifth highest populous metropolitan region in India. It is known for its natural beauty, including lakes and the information technology (IT) industry. Yet, it is undergoing a severe water crisis. Kaikondrahalli Lake project is a women-led initiative to rejuvenate a dying lake, making it an inclusive urban common for people of all age groups. The analysis proves improvement in biodiversity in and around the lake. Women’s participation is effective in ensuring environmental governance. Their role is critical for fostering SER and provides a pathway for sustainable QoL.