Visualising Geoviolence

2018

Research Associate, University of Glasgow

In this pioneering scoping project led by Professor Deborah Dixon (PI), we explored the intricate challenges faced by communities in Malawi grappling with environmental and economic precarity. The focus was on understanding the unique struggles of these vulnerable groups, who strive to sustain their livelihoods amidst rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions. This project aimed to delve deep into the concept of 'geoviolence', examining it through a feminist geopolitical lens, as conceptualised by scholars like Deborah Dixon.

Our approach was to uncover and amplify the voices and experiences of these communities, emphasising how their day-to-day realities are shaped by the intersection of environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerabilities. We sought to bring to the forefront the often overlooked community-based responses, highlighting their resilience and innovativeness in the face of adversity. By adopting a feminist geopolitical perspective, we aimed to redefine the understanding of geoviolence, not just as physical or territorial conflict, but as a broader phenomenon that includes the systemic and sustained environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalised communities. This project, therefore, was not just about documentation but also about advocating for change, drawing attention to the need for more inclusive and empathetic policy frameworks that acknowledge and address the complex layers of environmental and economic challenges faced by these communities.