Kuwaredora sa Mandulog: Ecofeminist Perspective on Women, Quarry, and their Well-being

Abstract

Quarry operation downstream of Mandulog River has become the source of livelihood of most households nearby the riverbanks. Although sand quarrying is primarily carried out by men, women also play a substantial role – directly and indirectly- in the quarry operation. From an ecofeminist view, women and the environment share a profound and intricate relationship. Women's traditional role as caretakers of family and households finds direct semblance with the natural world or Mother Earth as She nurtures plants, animals, humans and ecosystems. A qualitative approach was employed in this study to explore women’s narratives on nature, their involvement with quarry operation and their personal well-being. Furthermore, it utilizes ecofeminist perspective to analyze the findings. In this study, purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting ten (10) women quarriers to interview, that also cover a range of relevant variables (e.g., years of quarry experience, marital status, and age range), to maximize the diversity of perspectives. The findings and insights drawn from the women's perspectives revealed four interrelated dimensions of well-being uncovered: physical vulnerability, unsafe work environments, poverty and unemployment, and emotional ambivalence and resilience. For women quarriers, well-being is more than the physical health or financial state. It encompasses their emotional well-being, safety, sense of purpose, and connection to place. The research underscores the importance of government intervention that will ensure well-regulated quarry operation, implement disaster risk management, and provide targeted support programs to address the unique needs of the women quarriers.