Tribal women: victims of the development process
Menon, G.S.
Social Action 37(4): 373-390
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-7627 Document Number: 355068
The impact of deforestation on women in tribal areas of Orissa is investigated. After situating their marginalization in the context of industrial development, especially as reflected in forest policy and legislation, the paper studies the role played by the forest in the lives of tribal women and the consequences for them of deforestation. The present pattern of development, as reflected in the management of natural resources, and particularly of forests, has resulted in inequalities where they previously did not exist and has intensified those which already existed. This has been reflected in changes in the economic and social position of tribal women who have suffered economic impoverishment, deterioration of their social status and sex discrimination. A necessary first step towards a solution would be a reduction in clear felling to re-establish the ecological balance and ensure better access by the tribal people to their source of food, fuel, fodder and medicine. Forest policy and legislation would have to be amended to bring this about. Measures of reforestation should also respond to the need of tribal women to rebuild their community and should counteract the forces that marginalize them.