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Gender Equality- Life Below Water
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Hydrofeminist thinking with oceans: political and scholarly possibilities
Brief about:
Journal Article (2025)
Written by:
Explores the intersection of feminist theory, environmental humanities, and postcolonial thought through the lens of hydrofeminism, specifically within the socio-political and geographical context of South Africa.
South Africa’s unique geographical and socio-political landscape serves as a backdrop for examining the intersection of feminist theory, environmental humanities, and postcolonial thought. The volume ”Hydrofeminist Thinking with Oceans” is edited by Tamara Shefer, Vivienne Bozalek, and Nike Romano, who are experts in feminist new materialisms, posthumanism, intersectional gender justice, and artistic research. The editors aim to create alternative knowledges towards justice and planetary flourishing by engaging with oceanic and political scholarship. The book opens with a foreword by Astrida Neimanis, a leading figure in feminist Blue Humanities, who introduces the concept of hydrofeminism. Neimanis emphasizes a reciprocal relationship with water, urging a shared responsibility for a more just and connected world. Her question, ”What can water teach us?” is central to the volume’s exploration of social and environmental justice.
The volume is structured around essays that delve into hydrofeminist scholarship and activism in South Africa, highlighting the interconnectedness of oceanic justice, Indigenous knowledge, and multispecies relations. The interdisciplinary approach blends theory and action, using decolonial and feminist perspectives to challenge dominant oceanic narratives. The essays cover a range of topics, including ancestral knowledge in ocean decision-making, pedagogies of care for shared water resources, surfing as activism, and the emotional significance of sea beans in museum archives. The volume also addresses colonial hauntings in Cape Town’s waters and the wisdom of Xhosa ocean elders. The use of the term ”womxn” in Chapter 9 emphasizes intersectionality and aligns with Black feminist and hydrofeminist perspectives. The volume is praised for its contribution to the Blue Humanities and Global South Studies, offering a justice-oriented perspective on the ocean’s role in reshaping understanding of space, identity, and activism.
Key findings
- Hydrofeminism provides a framework for exploring oceanic justice and environmental humanities through feminist and postcolonial lenses.Evidence
The volume includes essays that utilize feminist new materialism, posthumanism, and Indigenous knowledge to challenge dominant oceanic narratives. Chapter 1 introduces hydrofeminism as both a scholarly and activist framework, while Chapter 2 explores ancestral knowledge in ocean decision-making. Chapter 3 highlights pedagogies of care for shared water resources, and Chapter 4 examines surfing as a space for activism and transformation.
What it meansThe interdisciplinary approach of hydrofeminism offers new perspectives on oceanic justice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and the importance of diverse methodologies in rethinking ocean studies.
- The volume emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and multispecies relations in understanding oceanic justice.Evidence
Chapter 12 amplifies the wisdom of Xhosa ocean elders and their insights on oceanic traditions. Chapter 5 rethinks more-than-human aesthetics through an octopus-inspired pedagogy, while Chapter 8 links ancient oceanic histories to contemporary ecological concerns.
What it meansBy incorporating Indigenous knowledge and multispecies relations, the volume highlights the need for inclusive and diverse perspectives in addressing oceanic justice and environmental challenges.
- The use of the term ''womxn'' in Chapter 9 underscores the volume's commitment to intersectionality and social justice.Evidence
The term ''womxn'' is used deliberately to emphasize intersectionality and highlight the specific struggles of women of color in academia. This linguistic choice aligns with Black feminist and hydrofeminist perspectives, as noted in the chapter's broader engagement with social justice and identity politics.
What it meansThe use of ''womxn'' reflects the volume's focus on inclusivity and the recognition of diverse experiences, particularly those marginalized by race, gender identity, or non-binary identities.
- The volume contributes to the Blue Humanities by expanding its geographical and epistemological scope.Evidence
By focusing on the South African context, the volume brings in perspectives that have often been marginalized in global discourses. Steve Mentz, the founder of the Blue Humanities, praises the volume for advancing oceanic eco-theories through ''innovative practices'' and visions ''for social and environmental justice.''
What it meansThe volume's focus on South Africa enriches the Blue Humanities by incorporating underrepresented perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of oceanic justice and environmental issues.
- The volume's interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights for scholars and students across various fields.Evidence
The volume is praised by Isabel Hofmeyr for its dynamic engagement with contemporary hydrofeminist theories, refracted through a Global South and feminist lens. It is considered invaluable for scholars and students of social and cultural geography, environmental humanities, blue humanities, feminist theory, and Global South studies.
What it meansThe interdisciplinary nature of the volume provides a justice-oriented perspective on the ocean's role in reshaping understanding of space, identity, and activism, making it a significant resource for academic and activist communities.
Proposed action
- We need to stop treating the ocean as just a resource and start seeing it as a partner in justice. This means listening to local and Indigenous knowledge, including women’s voices, and using care—not control—as our guide in environmental action
Include coastal and Indigenous women in ocean decision-making—formally recognizing their knowledge, lived experience, and leadership in shaping policies around climate, conservation, and coastal development
Create safe and inclusive spaces—like community councils, workshops, and listening sessions—where Indigenous and coastal women are invited not just to speak, but to lead. Make sure their knowledge is respected as equal to scientific expertise, and support their involvement with fair pay, translation, and long-term partnerships
Helpful resources
- ArticleHydrofeminism: Or, On Becoming a Body of Waterasks us to rethink who we are by thinking with water.Visit resource ↗
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Hydrofeminist thinking with oceans: political and scholarly possibilities
Cite this brief: Muharram, Mohammed. 'Hydrofeminist thinking with oceans: political and scholarly possibilities'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/hydrofeminist-thinking-with-oceans-political-and-scholarly-possibilities/
Brief created by: Dr Mohammed Muharram | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Muharram, M., (2025) ‘review of Hydrofeminist Thinking With Oceans Political and Scholarly Possibilities’ Social & Cultural Geography 1(1), pp. 1–2 https://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2025.2482301. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14649365.2025.2482301
Research brief:
Explores the intersection of feminist theory, environmental humanities, and postcolonial thought through the lens of hydrofeminism, specifically within the socio-political and geographical context of South Africa.
South Africa’s unique geographical and socio-political landscape serves as a backdrop for examining the intersection of feminist theory, environmental humanities, and postcolonial thought. The volume ”Hydrofeminist Thinking with Oceans” is edited by Tamara Shefer, Vivienne Bozalek, and Nike Romano, who are experts in feminist new materialisms, posthumanism, intersectional gender justice, and artistic research. The editors aim to create alternative knowledges towards justice and planetary flourishing by engaging with oceanic and political scholarship. The book opens with a foreword by Astrida Neimanis, a leading figure in feminist Blue Humanities, who introduces the concept of hydrofeminism. Neimanis emphasizes a reciprocal relationship with water, urging a shared responsibility for a more just and connected world. Her question, ”What can water teach us?” is central to the volume’s exploration of social and environmental justice.
The volume is structured around essays that delve into hydrofeminist scholarship and activism in South Africa, highlighting the interconnectedness of oceanic justice, Indigenous knowledge, and multispecies relations. The interdisciplinary approach blends theory and action, using decolonial and feminist perspectives to challenge dominant oceanic narratives. The essays cover a range of topics, including ancestral knowledge in ocean decision-making, pedagogies of care for shared water resources, surfing as activism, and the emotional significance of sea beans in museum archives. The volume also addresses colonial hauntings in Cape Town’s waters and the wisdom of Xhosa ocean elders. The use of the term ”womxn” in Chapter 9 emphasizes intersectionality and aligns with Black feminist and hydrofeminist perspectives. The volume is praised for its contribution to the Blue Humanities and Global South Studies, offering a justice-oriented perspective on the ocean’s role in reshaping understanding of space, identity, and activism.
Findings:
Hydrofeminism provides a framework for exploring oceanic justice and environmental humanities through feminist and postcolonial lenses.
The volume includes essays that utilize feminist new materialism, posthumanism, and Indigenous knowledge to challenge dominant oceanic narratives. Chapter 1 introduces hydrofeminism as both a scholarly and activist framework, while Chapter 2 explores ancestral knowledge in ocean decision-making. Chapter 3 highlights pedagogies of care for shared water resources, and Chapter 4 examines surfing as a space for activism and transformation.
The interdisciplinary approach of hydrofeminism offers new perspectives on oceanic justice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and the importance of diverse methodologies in rethinking ocean studies.
The volume emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and multispecies relations in understanding oceanic justice.
Chapter 12 amplifies the wisdom of Xhosa ocean elders and their insights on oceanic traditions. Chapter 5 rethinks more-than-human aesthetics through an octopus-inspired pedagogy, while Chapter 8 links ancient oceanic histories to contemporary ecological concerns.
By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and multispecies relations, the volume highlights the need for inclusive and diverse perspectives in addressing oceanic justice and environmental challenges.
The use of the term ”womxn” in Chapter 9 underscores the volume’s commitment to intersectionality and social justice.
The term ”womxn” is used deliberately to emphasize intersectionality and highlight the specific struggles of women of color in academia. This linguistic choice aligns with Black feminist and hydrofeminist perspectives, as noted in the chapter’s broader engagement with social justice and identity politics.
The use of ”womxn” reflects the volume’s focus on inclusivity and the recognition of diverse experiences, particularly those marginalized by race, gender identity, or non-binary identities.
The volume contributes to the Blue Humanities by expanding its geographical and epistemological scope.
By focusing on the South African context, the volume brings in perspectives that have often been marginalized in global discourses. Steve Mentz, the founder of the Blue Humanities, praises the volume for advancing oceanic eco-theories through ”innovative practices” and visions ”for social and environmental justice.”
The volume’s focus on South Africa enriches the Blue Humanities by incorporating underrepresented perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of oceanic justice and environmental issues.
The volume’s interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights for scholars and students across various fields.
The volume is praised by Isabel Hofmeyr for its dynamic engagement with contemporary hydrofeminist theories, refracted through a Global South and feminist lens. It is considered invaluable for scholars and students of social and cultural geography, environmental humanities, blue humanities, feminist theory, and Global South studies.
The interdisciplinary nature of the volume provides a justice-oriented perspective on the ocean’s role in reshaping understanding of space, identity, and activism, making it a significant resource for academic and activist communities.
Advice:
We need to stop treating the ocean as just a resource and start seeing it as a partner in justice. This means listening to local and Indigenous knowledge, including women’s voices, and using care—not control—as our guide in environmental action
- Create safe and inclusive spaces—like community councils, workshops, and listening sessions—where Indigenous and coastal women are invited not just to speak, but to lead. Make sure their knowledge is respected as equal to scientific expertise, and support their involvement with fair pay, translation, and long-term partnerships