Chiara Chiavaroli
What are you currently researching?
My PhD research focuses on understanding the gendered dimensions of toxic contamination in coca farming and gold mining in rural communities in the Bajo Cauca region in Colombia.
Participation in these economies is strongly related to exposure to toxic chemicals in particular to mercury in artisanal gold mining geographies and toxic pesticides in the coca farms.
In the context of the Colombian War on Drugs, coca farmers have also been exposed to the policy of aerial glyphosate fumigations for the forced eradication of coca crops. This generates additional exposure to toxic chemicals for rural communities.
Recent epidemiological research shows that exposure to these chemicals has a disproportionate effect on women’s reproductive and sexual health, generating alterations to the menstrual cycle, infertility, and miscarriages.
I investigate women’s experiences of toxic contamination and the barriers they experience in taking part in environmental decision-making processes and implementing precautionary measures. I look into the relationships of power established among different local social actors that determine women’s exposure to toxic contamination and the precautionary measures that women implement, in the household and at the community-level, to protect their children and other household members from toxic exposure.
Why did you choose this area of study?
In my previous research work with women working in artisanal gold-mining geographies in Colombia, I was struck by the impacts of extractivist industries (such as large-scale mining companies) on the health and livelihoods of rural communities. Women’s accounts of experiencing miscarriages and other reproductive issues as a result of mercury contamination struck me as a clear example of environmental injustice.
In the context of the current ecological crisis, social science can contribute to the discussion of pressing environmental challenges. As a direct byproduct of international extractivist economies, toxic contamination represents a critical dimension of these challenges that disproportionately targets marginalised gendered and racialised social groups. Yet, environmental policymaking often reproduces the exclusion of marginalised social actors. I believe the social sciences can make an important contribution to the design of more socially-just environmental policies.
How will your research have a wider impact on society? Can you give some real-world examples of the impact your research will have?
I hope to make an impact through this work in three major areas. The first is to highlight the need for gender-just environmental policymaking in relation to toxic chemicals. This means recognising the impact of extractivist economies on women’s health, but also addressing the socio-economic factors that determine women’s exposure to toxic chemicals and promoting their effective participation in decision-making processes.
Secondly, working with the International NGO Center for Reproductive Rights, we are writing a public report on the health impacts of the policy of aerial glyphosate fumigations for the forced eradication of coca crops in Colombia. This report aims to demonstrate that drug policies in Colombia have caused consistent reproductive violence on women inhabiting coca-farming territories and advocate for stronger international regulation of glyphosate as a toxic pesticide.
Lastly, by working alongside different local organisations (ASOVIAMCLA, ASOCBAC, Gente y Bosques and ASOCURN), I hope to strengthen their participation in national and regional debates.
Together with 15 social leaders from the Municipality of Tarazá, Antioquia, we released a short video (funded by a SLAS grant) to the public about the experience of coca-farming communities affected by glyphosate fumigations.
With the support of the KEI fund at LSE we are now releasing another short documentary on women’s experiences of mercury contamination and a methodological toolkit to facilitate discussion on toxic contamination in community settings.
What have been the highlights of your research work so far?
The highlight of this work has been learning from and working with local social leaders and grassroots organisations. Regular meetings with local organisations and their participation in the research project has turned my PhD project into a collective and collaborative effort. I cannot thank these organisations enough for their contributions.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Working in the context of the Colombian armed conflict poses some challenges related to working ethically with local organisations without generating harm and exposing local social leaders and research participants to security issues.
What advice would you give to prospective students on the most effective way to approach research and keep stress levels down?
I think that is important to engage with research topics that matter to you to keep the motivation up throughout the PhD journey. Rely on networks of academic support and building collaborative spaces is also key to learning from other PhD students and researchers.
In a few words, what is the best thing about studying at LSE?
LSE has given me the opportunity to be supervised by two amazing scholars who have truly supported me throughout the PhD journey. The KEI fund also gave me the chance to participate with public engagement and disseminating activities.