Well-being and equitable development: The Onge women of Andaman Island and their Environmental Knowledge

Abstract (English)

The present research paper explores the Indigenous Environmental Knowledge (IEK) of women in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India and its vital role in fostering sustainable development. The study explores how indigenous women, especially those from tribes like the Nicobarese, Onge, and Jarwa, work as stewards of biodiversity through their in-depth understanding of local ecosystems, drawing on ethnographic observations and gender-sensitive viewpoints. The Onge women have a wealth of ecological knowledge that has been passed down through the years, ranging from the use of medicinal herbs and traditional agriculture to sustainable fishing and the management of forest resources. Their roles are frequently underestimated in the mainstream environmental discourse and policy-making process, despite their significant contributions. The study emphasizes how ecological resilience, cultural preservation, and community well-being depend on the interplay of gender and indigenous knowledge. It also calls for inclusive and gender-sensitive environmental policies in order to solve the problems caused by modernization, cultural deterioration, and marginalization. This study advocates a more sustainable and equitable development framework based on indigenous methods by acknowledging and incorporating Onge women of Andaman & Nicobar Islands environmental expertise.

Key words - Onge, women, Andaman island , Equitable development, Ecological Stewardship.


Dr. Sita Ram
Research Associate (Cultural)
Anthropological Survey of India,
Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre,
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Email: ramyadav325@gmail.com