Mother Earth. Mother Sea, and last but not least, Mother Nature. Revered as the apex of femininity, motherhood is rife with images of caring concern, nurturing and guidance. In terms of animal rights, the connection between eco-feminism and animal rights doesn’t require a quantum leap. Environmental literature frequently characterizes the “rape” of the earth, and portrays the subjugation of nature in general and animals in particular by humanity; The traditional values of feminine influence include the nurture and abundance of the benefits we receive from the earth’s resources and (if we’d only heed it) the guidance of natural phenomena including climate change,dying forests, disappearing species, and emerging human health issues. The canary in a coal mine has a message for all.

Ravaged forests, fished-out seas, and helter-skelter development are typically associated with traditionally male -dominated activities. Until the mid 20th century, women didn’t commonly participate in professions such as, commercial fisher(men?) (persons?) (women?), nor were they at the forefront of the industrial revolution that desecreated the environment in the name of progress. This is not to say that men are villains in these scenarios; but instead that societal values limited women’s contributions to any but those within the scope of hearth, home, and community. The “angel of the house” wasn’t out sawing down old growth forests or drilling for oil in wildlife habitats while her husband watched the kids, milked the cows, and fed the chickens!

Societal and cultural traditions often promote a strong connection between women and animals. In agricultural and tribal cultures, women often take care of livestock and in modern society, women and girls frequently care for companion animals as part of their domestic duty. The close bonds formed between caregiver and animals (even those raised for food) allows for close observation of animals, and promotes enhanced understanding of and concern for animal welfare and needs.

Victimization is a persistent, and certainly unfortunate connection between women, nature, and environment. Violence done against women in the form of gender discrimination, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and denial of reproductive rights continue s to occur alongside humankind’s abuse of the earth and the enviroment. Women can easily find a logical connection between a woman in an abusive relationship and a dog chained in a yard. Both may receive what’s necessary for survival, but their respective quality of life and potential for flourishing are slim to none.

Repressed populations fare best when they resist and ultimately overcome their oppressors, but animals in laboratories and otherwise at the mercy of humanity cannot protest their fate or petition for support. It’s humans who must disseminate the animals’ needs to other humans, and work for better care and living conditions. The nurturing nature (and socially conditioned values) of females coupled with their ongoing battle for equality in many parts of the world presupposes a feminist-influenced understanding of and support for animal rights. Considered in this light, the combined needs of animals, and women continue their journey in close proximity.