Intersecting pathways: Eco-feminist perspectives on intersectionality, water management, and responsible tourism for gender-inclusive community development

Abstract

Sikkim is a Himalayan state in the northeastern part of India. Its capital Gangtok, is one of the most scenic places is visited by several tourists for a close view of nature. Springs are one of the major sources of water supply for the city, especially for the city's outskirts, and are used for irrigation for the villages around the city. With the rapid population growth, expanding urbanisation, and effects of rapidly changing climatic conditions, Sikkim is struggling to fill the increasing water demand-supply gap jeopardizing the long term security of water resources for its residents. While challenging terrain significantly affects water access, the pre-existing notion that water availability is simply a physical shortage has been debated. This fails to consider issues of water equity, where unequal distribution and social dynamics can limit access for certain groups. This paper employs an intersectional ecofeminism approach to deconstruct the pre-existing notion of how water availability is considered a physical shortage rather than being able to envision other factors that hinder the involvement of women in conserving or managing water resources. Furthermore, the paper also establishes links between such local management practices and responsible tourism growth in the region.