Toba Batak Women as Co-Workers of God

An Ecofeminist Perspective on Responding to the Ecological Crisis

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the role of women in relation to the ecological crisis from an ecofeminist perspective, with a particular focus on Christian theology and contextual Batak Toba cultural ecotheology. The ecological crisis is an issue that threatens human life due to the inability of nature to balance the speed of consumption, requiring humans to develop the ability to consider nature's capacity. The patriarchal culture, which emphasizes capitalist economics, is responsible for the ecological crisis because it neglects the aspect of environmental stewardship. What is the role of women in the ecological crisis from an ecofeminist perspective? How does the connection between local Batak Toba wisdom, women, and nature unfold? To explore these questions, the author uses a qualitative approach through a literature study. This study concludes that the concept of hierarchical dualism, which is deeply rooted in patriarchal culture, has undermined the dignity of women and exploited natural resources in an unsustainable manner, which is inconsistent with Christian values. Women and nature are deeply connected, so it is not surprising that the impacts of the ecological crisis are more strongly felt by women, driving their own struggle.