duty Canberra Memory Yogyakarta Ecofeminism
Ecofeminism, a term pioneered by Françoise d’Eaubonne, asserts that women possess a unique ability to liberate and protect nature, citing their historically rooted gender role of nurturing and interacting with the natural environment (Ranc, 2022). It bases itself in the notion that ecofeminism calls for collaboration and harmonization with nature, not domination.
It also aims to dismantle hierarchy from its roots to promote long lasting mutual respect (Malabonga, 2018). The Haenyeos, the female divers of Jeju, South Korea, are examples of ecofeminists through their role not only in directly conserving the marine ecosystem but also in their ability to provide invaluable ecological knowledge passed down over generations.
Throughout history, Haenyeos have been pioneers of feminism in their households. Their prominence arose due to the rapid efforts for industrial development in mainland Korea, leading many men to migrate out of Jeju island to work in factories (Pak, 2015). Hence, the women had no choice but to find ways to provide for their family, one of the prominent being to dive and capture marine animals. Despite the patriarchal norms of Korea, they became key economic contributors, with their income enabled investment in education, better living conditions, and unprecedented financial independence for women (Preston, 2017). But their impact extended far beyond the household.
As they dove into the water, the Haenyeos saw first hand the changes of the environment, such as the decline of harvestable marine creatures (Royal Geographical Society). These environmental challenges threatened their livelihood and their way of life. Nevertheless, instead of succumbing to despair, they adapted. The Haenyeos took on this challenge and continue taking action.
Not only have they resiliently dove on despite uncertain water conditions, when sea creatures became increasingly unavailable or premature due to changes in the ocean, they have created a system for when certain creatures will be protected from capture to promote a healthier harvesting culture (“Finding Sumbi – Haenyeo: Mothers of Jeju”). Their role as economic providers in their household and environmental guardians in the sea reflects their positioning as ecofeminists who challenge structural hierarchies while simultaneously supporting their surrounding environment.
Despite Haenyeos being such outstanding ecofeminists, their livelihood remains under threat by global trends of pollution and climate change. Changes in tidal currents, the warming of ocean temperatures, and increased pollution have begun to reduce the availability of marine species they harvest and rely on (Preston, 2017). Such environmental degradation undermines their income significantly and prevents the success of sustainable harvesting practices they have maintained for centuries.
During my time working alongside the Haenyeos, diving and interviewing them to document their practices, I learned of abandoned fish nets in the sea trapping divers underwater. Moreover, they are also experiencing challenges locating marine life due to erratic environmental shifts and temperature rise. The tradition and history based nature of the Haenyeo’s methods lead to especially heightened challenges in following the rapid trends of globalization and development.
Adding to this challenge is the aging population of Haenyeos and a sharp decline in youth participation in the community. Recent trends of globalization and the economic trajectory of South Korea have driven the youth away from Jeju, seeking employment in manufacturing, service sectors, and urban industries (Preston, 2017). This has led to a diminishing population of Haenyeos and the rapid aging of the current divers, with many of them now beyond the age of 60 (Malabonga, 2018). Without intervention, their indispensable role in sustainability of the sea as well as their vital ecological and cultural legacy could disappear within a generation.
Hence, promoting and facilitating such integration of the youth into the Haenyeo culture is helpful not only to preserve cultural heritage but to protect the marine environment of Jeju island. While governmental recognition such as UNESCO inscription has elevated the cultural value of the Haenyeos, it has done little to structurally support their livelihoods or ensure the integration of youth into their community (Preston, 2017).
In fact, in recent days, women in Jeju island have opted to take employment in resort hotels and car rental offices rather than continuing the tradition their own grandmothers or mothers have pursued (Choe, 2014). Hence, policies must move beyond symbolic recognition but rather move towards creating frameworks where Haenyeos are included in marine policy decisions, where their ecological knowledge is respected as a critical component of sustainability planning. Adding on, understanding the factors that drive away from the Haenyeo path and proactively responding with policy level solutions grounded in their insight is essential.
At the youth level, it is crucial to promote the Haenyeo culture as a living and active profession rather than a relic of the past. Utilizing means such as social media, educational programs, and cultural projects can reframe perceptions, presenting Haenyeos as environmental pioneers whose work remains vital in the contemporary world (Malabonga, 2018). Without such efforts to facilitate awareness and education, there can be no interest among the youth, which will consequently lead to the tragic end of the Haenyeos. Hence, as part of the youth community, my team Story of Haenyeo published a bilingual picture book about the Haenyeos, documenting their practices, the environmental challenges, and my experiences diving with them.
Through this, our goal was to show that their story is not merely history but a continuing narrative that demands engagement. Aimed at ages of 8 up to teenagers, the youth initiative project seeks to make the story accessible to younger generations and help demonstrate that they are not just a history but living legacy of Jeju island. As a member of the youth community, my team contributed and acted upon the survival of the Haenyeos, many others like myself can do so and should do so for the sake of not only cultural preservation but our environment.
Conclusively, Haenyeos are more than the conventional feminists but ecofeminists, whose lives demonstrate that environmental sustainability and gender equity are inseparable. The Haenyeos have taught me, a member of the youth, that feminism and environmentalism are not distant ideas but practices that are integrally embedded in everyday life. Their resilience in the face of climate change and demographic shifts reveals a strength generated from their background of necessity which was then nurtured through unity.
As the Haenyeos face heightened threats, we must ask ourselves whether we will merely mourn a loss of a legacy or choose to protect and learn from their enduring example as ecofeminists. Only through integrating their knowledge into marine governance and enabling youth participation can we ensure that their legacy as divers and pioneers of feminist resilience continues. Protecting the Haenyeos is not an action benefiting just the Haeneyos: it shapes a future rooted in respect, equity, sustainability.
By: Haedam Lee
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