Indigenous women play a vital yet often unrecognized role in sustaining ecological systems and community wellbeing. This study examines the socio-economic conditions, environmental participation, and intersectional challenges of Irular tribal women in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Using a mixed-method design and a sample of 50 respondents, the research explores how livelihood insecurity, low literacy, landlessness, and limited institutional access shape women’s engagement with natural resources. The findings reveal that although Irular women actively contribute to environmental stewardship through firewood and non-timber forest product collection, fishing-related work, herbal knowledge, and local resource management, their participation remains largely informal and excluded from decision-making structures. The study further demonstrates that intersecting factors—gender, tribal identity, poverty, climate vulnerability, and social discrimination—collectively restrict their agency, resource rights, and leadership in environmental governance. Despite these constraints, Irular women possess significant traditional ecological knowledge that supports household survival and contributes to local sustainability. The paper concludes that enhancing tribal women’s environmental roles requires rights-based policies, access to education and livelihood diversification, community-led platforms, and inclusive governance mechanisms. Strengthening Irular women’s capacities and voices is essential not only for their well-being but also for building resilient and sustainable environmental futures in Cuddalore District.
Published: 30 SEP 2025
Issue: Jul-Sep (2025)
Section: Articles
Metrics: 537 315
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