How Tribal Women In Odisha Breaking Barriers

Tribal women in Odisha are an integral part of the state’s diverse and culturally rich population. Odisha is home to a significant number of tribal communities, making up about 22% of the state’s total population. These communities, which include ethnic groups like Saora, Bonda, Kondh, Gond, Munda, and Santhal, have distinct languages, customs, and traditions. The women from these tribes face unique challenges, but they are also demonstrating resilience and leadership in various areas, from economic activities to social reform.

Tribal women in Odisha maintain a deep connection with their traditional cultures and lifestyles. They are the primary carriers of their community’s cultural heritage.

The women are skilled in various crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and creating Dokra art (metal casting). They also engage in making Pipli appliqué work, which is a traditional patchwork craft from Odisha. These crafts are not only essential for their communities’ cultural identity but also provide an income through markets and fairs.

Women play a central role in the community’s religious and cultural practices. They are key participants in rituals, festivals, and dances like Gotipua and Chhau, which are part of the cultural fabric of Odisha.

Tribal women in Odisha have historically been involved in agricultural work, forest-based livelihoods, and handicrafts. Many tribal women work as farm laborers and are engaged in the cultivation of crops like rice, millet, and vegetables. They also participate in traditional methods of farming, which are often integrated with forest resource management. Tribal women in forested regions often collect forest products such as firewood, medicinal plants, fruits, and honey. They also contribute to forest conservation efforts through initiatives such as Joint Forest Management (JFM), where communities share responsibility for protecting forests.

How Government Is Creating Hopes For The Tribal Women

Various government schemes like Midday Meal, Scholarships, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) aim to increase literacy rates and educational participation among tribal women. Schools have been established in remote tribal areas, and incentives like free uniforms, bicycles, and scholarships have helped girls pursue education.

Programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are working to provide maternal health services and reduce maternal mortality. These programs focus on promoting institutional deliveries and providing antenatal and postnatal care to tribal women.

Government has been working to increase awareness about health and nutrition, particularly in relation to infant and child health. Efforts are being made to combat malnutrition through nutrition programs that target women and children in tribal communities.

Other Women welfare programs include:

• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): NRLM aims to promote self-help groups, facilitate access to loans, and provide skills training for income generation.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA): Under the Forest Rights Act, tribal women are being granted rights over forest resources, which helps ensure that they have control over land and natural resources.
• Tribal Development Programs: Odisha has various tribal welfare programs that focus on providing vocational training, healthcare, and financial inclusion to tribal women.

 

Tribal women are increasingly participating in political processes, though their representation remains limited. The introduction of a 33% reservation for women in local governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions) has empowered tribal women to participate in decision-making. Many tribal women have been elected as Sarpanches (village heads) or ward members, giving them a platform to address issues such as education, healthcare, and sanitation in their communities.

 

The Role Of SHGs

The promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas has empowered tribal women by helping them pool savings, access loans, and engage in income-generating activities like handicrafts, livestock rearing, and small-scale businesses. SHGs also provide a platform for women to exercise leadership and become financially independent.

 

 

Tribal women in Odisha, while facing significant challenges, are becoming more empowered through access to education, healthcare, political representation, and economic opportunities. They are gaining recognition as key players in preserving their cultural heritage, leading sustainable development, and advocating for their rights. With continued efforts from the government, NGOs, and community-based organizations, tribal women in Odisha have the potential to lead and inspire change within their communities and beyond.