Karbi women discuss issues potent for igniting social change

55 participants from different educational and professional backgrounds participated in the event, which was organised to create awareness among women and youths about the importance of nature conservation and natural resource management, as well as issues and challenges faced by women in the 21st Century.

Panel discussions were organised on four key topics deliberated by different panelists. Panelist Dr Bandita Teronpi, Assistant Professor of Lumding College, deliberated on "Women as Custodians of Nature: Traditional Roles in Biodiversity Conservation in Karbi Anglong".

Panelist Serlin Beypi, Forest Range Officer of Bokajan Range of Assam Forest Department, deliberated on "Balancing Tradition and Sustainability: Women's Role in Addressing Forest Conservation, Resource Management, and Climate Change."

Panelists Charisma Rongpipi, Founder of Yellow Tree Cafe, Meraki & Happy Farmers and Serleen Engti Katharpi, Founder of Choi, a popular Karbi traditional clothing brand, talked on "Empowering Karbi Society: Women Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Sustainable Development and Equity".

Jirleen Rongpipi, Centre Administrator at Sakhi--One Stop Centre in West Karbi Anglong district, deliberated on "Empowering Women in the 21st Century: Overcoming Challenges with Sakhi--One Stop Centre's Perspective."

The panel discussions envisioned important prospects for women's contribution to forest and biodiversity conservation and women's entrepreneurship for sustainable development. They also focused on women's rights and the legal framework and protection system for women's safety to address the challenges faced by them today.

Dr Bandita Teronpi said, "Karbi women are sustainable users and protectors of natural resources and do not encourage harm and damage to nature and natural systems as per the Karbi belief system."

"Empowerment of women in my community to support them through small and micro enterprise has been my motto, and I am proud that through my interventions, women are getting opportunities and market. We must promote and use local products to support local enterprises and women involved in these," Charisma Rongpipi, a renowned entrepreneur, said, adding that the power of women to usher in change must be utilized for the community and environment.

Panelist Serleen Engti Katharpi, a textile sector entrepreneur, said, "Women face multiple challenges when they try to earn for the family and themselves. Support from fellow women and men is essential to making them successful. It's important to provide them that space and celebrate even small successes."

Jirleen Rongpipi, a community leader, said, "Access to the legal and judicial system by women in Karbi Anglong is a challenge. They need more access to ensure legal protection. They need more support to be successful in their life." She also highlighted 'early marriage among girls' as a big challenge for women.

Sabin Rongpipi from the Center for Karbi Studies moderated the discussion efficiently, making it a participatory and brain-tinkering session for both the panellists and the participants.

Dr Firoz Ahmed and Jayanta Kumar Sarma of Aaranyak briefed about Aaranyak and its initiatives across NE India and shared their views on empowerment, conservation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development opportunities in Karbi Anglong. The event was made successful with the team efforts of Aaranyak, CKS and HLTEC members, respectively.

The Natural Resource Management Programme of Aaranyak remains grateful for the support of IUCN-KfW and the US Fish and Wildlife Services.

Aaranyak is committed to conserving the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of NE India by supporting Indigenous people and communities in their pursuit of alternative and sustainable livelihoods and nature-based solutions. (ANI)