Gender Dynamics and Environmental Management in Ogoniland: A Study of the Ogoni Clean-up by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)

Abstract

The primary challenges regarding human interaction with the natural environment stem from attitudes towards environmental preservation, resource availability, pollution, concerns about global poverty, and issues of overpopulation leading to resource depletion. While some environmental issues are inherent and beyond human control, many can be mitigated or exacerbated by human activities. This paper aims to investigate the impact of gender dynamics on environmental management in Ogoniland through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). It examines how these approaches affect environmental justice and women's livelihoods, hindering their ability to contribute effectively to sustainable environmental management. Despite modernization influencing certain aspects of Ogoni society and its political economy, entrenched political systems, social structures, and gender dynamics persist, limiting basic environmental, economic, and societal rights. This conclusion is drawn from empirical studies on HYPREP's cleanup efforts in Ogoniland and an analysis of existing literature. A significant recommendation is the dismantling of cultural norms and political systems that hinder women's involvement in environmental management, advocating for the empowerment of women and their active participation in environmental initiatives.