Cultural Dimensions of Justice: Analyzing Gender and Language in Tarime’s Environmental Challenges

This study addresses the critical research problem of understanding justice in the Anthropocene, particularly in Tarime, Mara Region, where ecological degradation and climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating social and environmental inequities. The importance of this study lies in its potential to inform equitable policies that recognize the intersecting impacts of language, gender, and culture on these communities, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability. The objectives are to (1) analyze the intersection of environmental justice and social inequality by investigating how language and gender dynamics influence access to resources; (2) explore the role of indigenous knowledge and cultural practices in shaping sustainable approaches, focusing on specific examples from the Tarime region; and (3) evaluate policy frameworks that promote equity in resource distribution by assessing how cultural considerations and gender inclusivity are integrated into existing policies. Data will be sourced from qualitative interviews with community leaders and members, quantitative surveys measuring socio-economic impacts, and existing literature on environmental justice. The methodology will employ a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and online surveys. Theoretical guidance will be provided by the framework of ecological justice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental systems, along with considerations of cultural and gender dynamics. Initial results indicate that marginalized communities in Tarime face greater vulnerabilities to ecological crises, while also possessing unique cultural knowledge and resilience strategies that can inform broader justice-oriented policies. This research aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of justice in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive and equitable approaches to environmental governance that address language, gender, and cultural factors.