Contributions of tribal women in India go beyond gender narratives; they embody sustainability, economic resilience, and governance rooted in community welfare. Their expertise in environmental conservation, traditional knowledge systems, and participatory governance serves as a vital framework for sustainable development. On this International Women’s Day, it is crucial to acknowledge their role in shaping India’s socio-economic and ecological landscape.

CUSTODIANS OF ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY:

Tribal women have long been stewards of the environment, their connection to the land has shaped conservation practices across generations.

Tulsi Gowda, the “Encyclopedia of Forest,” has immense botanical knowledge. Despite lacking formal education, her deep knowledge of forests earned her the Padma Shri in 2021. Mayilamma, Kerala’s Eravallar community member, led the Plachimada Struggle against Coca-Cola, protesting groundwater depletion, resulting in the plant’s closure in 2004. Kamala Pujari, from Odisha’s Paroja tribe, safeguarded over 100 paddy varieties ensuring food security and biodiversity. Walking barefoot across villages, she trained women in organic farming, earning the Padma Shri in 2019.

ECONOMIC AGENCY:

Tribal women are redefining economic empowerment by transforming traditional knowledge and crafts into sustainable enterprises, while ensuring economic self-reliance and challenging conventional economic models.

EriWeave Pvt Ltd, founded by Laishram Rymbai from Meghalaya, became the first tribal woman-led Eri silk weaving unit, promoting local artisans. Pabiben Rabari from Gujarat’s Dhebaria Rabari community revolutionized embroidery with the Hari Jari technique, creating the globally recognized Pabi Bag and providing livelihoods for women artisans. Aruna Tirkey, from Jharkhand’s Oraon tribe, promotes Adivasi cuisine through her restaurant Ajam Emba, employing tribal women and integrating millet-based diets into mainstream culinary culture.

GOVERNANCE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

Tribal women play a crucial role in governance and community leadership. Shrimati Droupadi Murmu’s election as India’s first tribal woman President underscores the leadership potential, but grassroots governance has long been a strength.

Tulasi Munda, social activist from Odisha, established the Adivasi Vikas Samiti School in 1964, educating over 20,000 tribal children and combating child labour. Her contributions to education earned her the Padma Shri in 2001. Neidonuo Angami, a Naga leader and co-founder of the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), championed peace efforts through the “Shed No More Blood” initiative. She also led movements tackling drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and social reform, earning a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2000.

Tribal women today

Tribal women play a pivotal role in sustainability, economic resilience, and governance, offering a model for inclusive development. Recognizing their leadership is crucial for shaping policies that integrate their knowledge and contributions. This International Women’s Day, the voices must be amplified. Their efforts need to be celebrated in national and global platforms to build a more equitable and sustainable future.