Women’s Role in Resistance Movements Across South Asia
Women have been at the forefront of movements in South Asia, resisting unjust development, extractivism, and climate degradation. They play a crucial role in protests against projects like mining, dams, and nuclear plants, particularly in regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu. Despite their significant contributions, their voices are often marginalized in decision-making processes.
Examples of Women's Resistance
- Sijimali, Odisha: Women protest against mining projects threatening their forest-based lifestyle, facing police violence.
- Jharkhand, Dewas: Adivasi women block coal mining to protect ancestral lands.
- Tamil Nadu: Women from fishing communities lead protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
Challenges and Exclusions Faced by Women
Despite their central role in resistance, women face exclusion from consultations and decision-making, often dominated by men. Their perspectives are frequently dismissed as emotional, ignoring their socio-environmental knowledge.
Legal Frameworks and Implementation Gaps
- India: The Forest Rights Act (2006) and PESA Act (1996) recognize women's roles but are undermined by systemic issues.
- Nepal: The Joint Land Ownership Policy promotes co-ownership between spouses.
- Bangladesh: The Khas land programme prioritizes women in land distribution.
Implementation is marred by systemic gaps: land titles often exclude women, and displaced women are not counted as heads of households.
Intersection with Climate Change
Climate change exacerbates gender inequalities. Women face longer walks for water and lesser economic opportunities while being excluded from climate resilience decisions. Existing frameworks often ignore women's traditional ecological knowledge.
The Need for Inclusive Development
For meaningful development, governments and corporations must include women in consultations, ensure safe spaces for their participation, and acknowledge women's leadership within movements. Policies and institutions need to reflect women's roles not just as contributors but as leaders in resistance and development.
