Answer

Women in India have long championed environmental and social justice, yet remain excluded from formal decision-making spaces. Despite grassroots leadership, deep-rooted structural, social, and institutional barriers restrict their presence in policymaking, reflecting the need for inclusive governance to ensure equitable development and ecological resilience.

Women’s Role in Environmental and Social Justice Movements

• Ecofeminist Leadership: Women defended forests, linking ecological protection with livelihood security and community identity.
  Example: Gaura Devi led the Chipko Movement (1973) in Uttarakhand, sparking national action for community-based conservation.
• Opposing Displacement: Women challenged forced displacement and demanded just rehabilitation in large infrastructure projects.
  Example: Medha Patkar led the Narmada Bachao Andolan, resisting displacement of over 2 lakh people due to dams.
• Combatting Alcoholism: Women protested liquor abuse to address domestic violence and protect families.
• Protecting Biodiversity: Women resisted ecologically harmful projects to conserve native flora and fauna.
  Example: Women contributed to the Silent Valley Movement, resulting in the creation of Silent Valley National Park (1985) in Kerala.
• Promoting Agroecology: Women preserved indigenous seeds and led sustainable farming efforts.
  Example: Navdanya, founded by Vandana Shiva, empowered over 9 lakh women farmers in organic seed saving and agriculture.

Structural Barriers Limiting Formal Participation

• Low Political Representation: Women remain underrepresented in formal political systems.
  Example: Only 14% of MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha  are women, far below global averages.
• Limited Land Ownership: Lack of land restricts economic power and access to institutional decision-making.
  Example: Around 13% of Indian women own agricultural land, limiting policy influence in rural governance (Oxfam Report).
• Mobility and Safety Gaps: Fear of violence limits women’s civic and public engagement.
  Example: Over 31,000 rape cases (2021) were reported, affecting women’s participation in public affairs.
• Patriarchal Norms: Social conditioning discourages female autonomy in decision-making.
• Educational Disparity: Gaps in literacy and education limit access to leadership roles.
  Example: Female literacy is 70.3% compared to 84.7% for males, restricting access to policy platforms (NFHS-5).

Way Forward

• Enforce Political Quotas: Legal mandates can improve female representation in formal governance.
  Example: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act) 2023 mandates 33% seats for women in state and national legislatures.
• Expand Education and Leadership: Early interventions must build civic awareness and confidence.
  Example: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao can integrate leadership training to prepare girls for public roles.
• Ensure Safety and Mobility: Safe infrastructure supports inclusive participation in society.
  Example: Delhi’s CCTV buses and Mahila Mohalla Clinics have improved safety and service access for women.
• Enhance Economic Agency: Financial independence enhances women’s voice and autonomy.
  Example: Over 9 million SHGs under DAY-NRLM provide women access to loans, income, and training.
• Promote Grassroots Inclusion: Recognize and support local women leaders in community governance.
  Example: Women-led forest committees in Nagaland guide community-based forest resource management.

Indian women have driven ecological and social change at the grassroots level. Ensuring their presence in formal decision-making through education, safety, economic empowerment, and quotas is crucial for building inclusive, participatory, and sustainable governance that responds to both social needs and environmental challenges.