Abstract Women, environmental governance and livelihood are the mainstay of political economy debates in South Asia, particularly with respect to livelihood strategies that women adopt, contribution to livelihood outcomes, household economy and access to natural resources (land, water and forests). Women among hill tribes in Northeast India play important roles in the conservation of traditional knowledge base and the regeneration of environmental resources. However, their participation in decision-making processes of local governance practices is challenging and remains embedded in community norms and customary rules. Women’s participation in local institutions that administer forests is important for ecological management and equitable distribution of forest-based resources. However, inequities exist in women’s role in decision-making, use and management of resources. The objective of this article is to examine these gender gaps. The article is grounded in a qualitative research methodology and intensive field research, and interviews conducted in the hilly terrains of the conflict-affected tribal district of Karbi Anglong in Assam. By conflicts, we refer to ethnic violence involving tribes such as Karbis, Hmar, Dimasas, Rengma Nagas, Kukis and state security forces. Inter-tribal conflicts have their origins in disputes over the control of forest land and the use of natural resources. The findings uncovered the vulnerabilities that women face not only in the use and access to such resources for diversification of livelihoods but also lack of participation in decision-making process at the local level. The article recommends that an integrated and inclusive policy approach with collective decision-making of women, as important stakeholders, is crucial for resilience and adaptation in conflict settings.
Saikia et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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