Paper short abstract:

Ecological movements in the Global South often classified as 'livelihood struggles,' Field data provide diverse and complex realties. Analysis -beyond essentialist perspectives ,delves into the lived experiences. Intersectionality, movement mobilization, Feminist ecological citizenship explored.

Paper long abstract:

This article critically engages with the discourse of gender and the environment through qualitative field research in the ongoing Anti-Mining movement in Thottappally and the Silverline Protest against the Semi High-speed Railway project in the state of Kerala. Using theoretical frameworks such as ecofeminism, feminist environmentalism, and feminist ecological citizenship, the study seeks to unravel the complexities of the movement's mobilization, emphasizing the interconnectedness of women's struggles, socio-political positions, and ecological concerns. While much of the existing literature characterizes ecological movements in the Global South as simple 'livelihood struggles,' contemporary environmental movements in India encompass a multifaceted landscape, engaging with participatory democracy, alternative development, ecological citizenship, civil society's role, and global connections.

Through a critical lens, the article delves into the lived experiences of women in Thottappally and other parts of Kerala, shedding lights on their agency, struggles, resilience, and everyday resistance during the pandemic. The study maps claim making employed by these women and their effectiveness in maintaining momentum despite social distancing measures. The analysis goes beyond essentialist perspectives and explores how women, particularly from the marginalized communities, actively participate in the movement, evoking their ecological citizenship, resist the state’s privatization, challenging stereotypes and contributing to the broader discourse on collective action. The article underscores the need for an inclusive and intersectional approach in addressing the environmental crisis. Kerala is a state in India that made remarkable strides in the socio-demographic, education and public health indicator. These movements expose Kerala’s ill-informed political ecology of development.