Habitat Rights of The Baiga Women: A Critical Examination

Abstract (English)

The Baiga community, an indigenous group in India, mainly resides in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh forests, and parts of Odisha. They closely connect their way of life to the forest ecosystem, which provides them with food and resources for their livelihood. Women in the Baiga community, who are central to their society, face particular challenges in accessing and safeguarding these rights, and their role in managing forest resources requires greater recognition and support.
Habitat rights encompass the constitutional and cultural entitlements which the indigenous communities have over traditionally occupied land. For Baiga women, these rights are crucial for survival and for their social and economic empowerment. They are are involved in activities such as gathering forest products, farming, and engaging in forest-related rituals, all empowering them by providing financial independence and a voice in their families and communities.
However, the shrinking of forests due to encroachment, commercial mining, and agricultural expansion has profoundly impacted their lives. With reduced access to forests, women lose access to essential resources like medicinal plants, fruits, and firewood, vital for personal and communal health. As a result, their economic autonomy declines, and they weaken their empowerment.
India’s constitutional safeguards, particularly the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, acknowledges the rights of forest dwellers, including women, to utilize forest resources. However, the application of these laws is often gender-insensitive. While Baiga women play an integral role in resource collection, male heads of households receive most land titles and habitat rights. This exclusion from formal recognition of land rights further marginalizes women. Additionally, patriarchal structures within the Baiga community, as well as in broader society, exacerbate these issues. The work of women, though essential, is frequently undervalued and overlooked in legal and political contexts, preventing them from receiving compensation or support when they lose access to land.
The empowerment of Baiga women depends on their ability to retain and manage habitat rights. Addressing gender biases in the legal framework and ensuring the active participation of women in land rights discussions can foster greater social and economic justice. Achieving real empowerment requires policy reform and social change that acknowledges the contributions of Baiga women to their community’s sustainability and well-being through their age-old Environmental Knowledge System.