The world of work: A green and feminist future?

This chapter applies a feminist standpoint to the ILO vision for a greener workforce, revealing a lack of appreciation of patriarchal structures which will continue to drive inequality unless directly confronted. The chapter provides a framework for assessing the possibility of a green, feminist world of work, drawing on the right to substantive gender equality built from four interacting dimensions: redressing disadvantage; addressing stereotyping and violence; facilitating voice; and achieving structural change. This entails revaluing caring work, redistributing domestic work, paid and unpaid; and providing green solutions to women’s domestic drudgery. Care is both socially essential and green. However, a sole emphasis on care risks stereotyping women. Substantive equality additionally requires a change in women’s uneven access to green jobs, including science and renewable energy. The chapter concludes by rejecting the market as the driver of change. The state, as employer and provider of public services, should be centrally responsible.