Women’s empowerment plays a crucial role in resisting gender-based violence (GBV) in indigenous communities. Despite facing systemic discrimination, patriarchal norms, and socio-economic challenges, indigenous women have shown resilience in combating GBV through education, advocacy, and community leadership. This paper explores the various strategies employed by indigenous women to challenge violence, including grassroots activism, legal interventions, and traditional knowledge systems that promote gender equity. Cultural practices often contribute to GBV, but they can also be leveraged as tools for empowerment when reinterpreted through a gender-inclusive lens. The role of education and economic independence is central to fostering self-reliance among women, equipping them with the skills to resist oppression. Additionally, indigenous women-led movements have gained momentum in demanding policy reforms, legal protection, and justice for survivors of GBV. Despite these efforts, numerous barriers persist, including inadequate legal frameworks, lack of access to support services, and societal stigma. Addressing GBV requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and indigenous leaders to ensure sustainable change. This paper highlights successful divisions of resistance, demonstrating how indigenous women are reclaiming their rights and reshaping their communities. Ultimately, women’s empowerment is both a means and an outcome of the fight against GBV. Strengthening indigenous women’s voices and leadership is essential for creating safe, inclusive societies where gender-based violence will be actively challenged and eradicated.
Hansda et al. (Thu,) studied this question.