Several women’s rights groups from across India came together to participate in a three-day national consultation in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, to discuss issues related to Adivasi women, their forests, and livelihoods.
The groups shared challenges faced by Adivasi women in relation to their forest rights and livelihoods, particularly in protected areas. The consultation brought the voices of women in strategies for protection of natural resources and women's biodiversity knowledge practices, particularly in the context of constitutional safeguards and women's role in governance of fifth schedule areas.
They also explored possible local-level innovations to strengthen women’s actions on the ground with respect to their legal entitlements and forest-based livelihoods.
