Echoes of Oppression: Women and the Mother Earth in Kashwar Naheed’s Poetry

Abstract

The research explores the parallel relationship between women’s oppression and the exploitation of nature. Grounded in Susan Griffin’s theory of ecofeminism, the study critically examines the Selected Poetry of Kishwar Naheed translated by Derek M. Cohem and Baidar Bakht. Focusing on the internal conflicts of women and the physical exploitation of nature, the study interprets that women experience a deep identification with nature, as both are subjected to domination and commodification. Utilizing qualitative textual analysis, the study focuses on literary devices to show how literary symbols reflect both environmental degradation and the marginalization of women. Juxtaposing Naheed’s poetry with the ecofeminist stance, the study highlights the role of patriarchal society in the exploitation of marginalized beings like the female gender and nature. In this way, the research seeks to uncover ecofeminist perspectives in lesser-studied poetry by women writers from the Global South, demonstrating how the textual portrayal of nature and women can challenge and resist systems of commodification and control.