Bollywood actress Dia Mirza has said patriarchy is behind environmental decline, arguing that a patriarchal mindset lies at the root of the deterioration of the environment. The actress made the remarks recently at a panel discussion. They set off a storm of criticism among social media users, with some backing her and others condemning her. Mirza later addressed the issue, saying men are responsible for climate change and are creating the disorder now seen in the world.
Mirza said she made the comments not to blame any individual man, but to show how patriarchal power structures are damaging the environment.
The actress said men are responsible for climate change and are creating today’s disorder in the world. “Since many people are discussing this, I am saying it as plainly as possible. I stand by my statement. Patriarchy is the main cause of the climate crisis,” she said.
Mirza said power had remained in the hands of a few people under the patriarchal system for centuries. Rather than caring for resources, she said, they had only exploited them, viewing nature as something to be used rather than protected.
She said that just as women are treated in a patriarchal society, forests, jungles, rivers, seas and other parts of the environment are also seen as commodities. The consequences of that thinking can no longer be ignored, she said.
Standing by her remarks, Mirza added that weakening the voices of those who speak up for protecting nature and for women’s rights is also part of the patriarchal system.
The actress explained in more detail why she had referred to patriarchy. She said women, particularly from marginalized and disadvantaged groups, feel the effects of climate change first, facing water shortages, food scarcity, displacement and loss of livelihood. Yet their presence in environmental decision-making remains very limited, she said.
To build a healthier future, the actress said, society must break free of this dominance and respect a life of equality and compassion.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report