Invisible Labor From an Ecofeminist Perspective: An Example from a Village in Ankara

This study focuses on the role and agency of women’s labor in rural life and agricultural production, based on fieldwork conducted within the context of structural transformations in rural Turkey throughout history. Although women’s labor in rural Turkey is often overlooked within social and economic dynamics, it is crucial for the continuity of agricultural production. This situation necessitates a re-evaluating of women’s contributions to rural production processes, in terms of both gender equality and economic sustainability. In this context, this ecofeminist assessment is significant in ensuring the visibility of women’s labor. The ecofeminist approach highlights women’s impact on nature, agricultural production, and rural life while, and aims to promote environmental justice and expand the implementation of sustainable ecological practices. This perspective moves beyond viewing women’s labor as merely an economic factor, positioning it as an indispensable component of social and environmental transformation processes. Furthermore, it makes women’s contributions to agricultural production and rural life visible, emphasizing their critical role in rural development.