The Intersection of Ethnicity, Gender, and Environmental Justice: A Study on Double Discrimination Faced By Kurdish Women amidst the Desiccation of Lake Urmia

Lake Urmia, once one of the largest saline lakes in the Middle East, has lost over 90% of its volume due to a combination of human and natural factors. This environmental crisis has affected the lives of millions of people and has led to extensive social economic and cultural consequences. This study employs a case study approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with Kurdish women in the village of Maskin, located in the Urmia Lake basin, to examine environmental justice through the lens of intersecting ethnicity and gender.

The findings indicate that the desiccation of Lake Urmia exacerbates both gender and ethnic discrimination exposes Kurdish women to double discrimination. Migration has emerged as the primary strategy to adapt to this crisis. While men migrate to urban areas in search of employment and livelihoods, women are compelled to engage in agricultural and livestock activities alongside traditional household responsibilities including childcare and elder care. This situation not only jeopardizes women's mental health but also constrains their opportunities for education and personal growth. Prevailing cultural norms dictate that girls are assigned household and care giving duties at an early age often resulting in the cessation of their education. Moreover, cultural expectations around women’s dress and public presence add to the burden of responsibilities, limiting their active participation in family and community decision-making. Overall, the desiccation of Lake Urmia has intensified existing gender inequalities within society rendering Kurdish women doubly vulnerable.

The findings of this study can be valuable for policymakers, development planners, social activists, and researchers in the fields of gender, environment, and social justice, offering insights for designing interventions and support policies for women in vulnerable areas. Additionally, this research lays the groundwork for future studies on the impacts of multiple discrimination and environmental changes on marginalized populations.