Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Eco-linkages: A Critical Study of the feature films “Dweepa” and “Kaanooru Heggadathi”

Adaptation is one of the strongest characteristics of human beings. In the process of adaptation, the notable theory “survival of the fittest” has been proved time and again especially in the context of human beings with a history of thousands of years. The world is becoming a dangerous place to live with its limited supply. It is evident that the supply and demand theory never fades away. In such dangerous circumstances human beings psychologically and physically resort to the “survival of the fittest” theory. We often see the representation of marginalized and their traumatizing experiences due to environmental degradation, natural disasters or man-made developments brought to light through various literary forms. Vandana Shiva points out that, "the marginalization of women and the destruction of biodiversity go hand in hand". Environmental destruction, climate change, natural disasters and development has a direct impact on the violence suffered by women.

While the impact of conflict, war, class on Gender-Based Violence(GBV) has been well established, the impact of Environmental destruction on women has been overlooked. This paper tries to bring to forefront the evidence on effect of eco-degradation on Gender-Based Violence(GBV). This study intends to show the damage human beings are inflicting upon nature has fuelled violence against women through analysing two well-known movies “Dweepa” and “Kaanooru Heggadathi”. Subjecting the movies to a critical analysis the paper will highlight the plight of women due to eco-degradation.

Keywords: Gender-Based Violence(GBV), Eco-degradation, Man-made Developments, Natural Disasters, Displacement