Establishing WRRA in Tribal Community

8/8/2019 Establishing WRRA in Tribal Community

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about this book

We are happy to bring this document to the readers. Thebook tries to encompass the different events and processestaking place in and around tribal communities in the north-central belt of India, and tries to draw out a commonality with the dialogue taking place in the north-east India and

that in the International arena.There has been an effort to link and reflect on all these

events as a continuous movement within the tribal community.Indigenous tribal women are raising their voices / expressing their concerns on land and resource rights which have madethem food insecure, loss of dignity and much more.. Thetribal identity movement and women’s rights movement aremajor stakeholders, besides the State.

We hope that this document will help the tribal women todevelop and draw strategies for asserting their rights in thisera of increasing globalisation, poverty and patriarchy. And

also for others, .. in understanding the issue, to support thetribal women’s movement in all possible manner.

While resistance to the ‘outside forces’ requires to becarried out by the tribal community for its identity and self governance; on the other, ‘resurgence from within’ also needsto be strategised.

GLRFGender, Livelihoods andResources ForumSecretariat – SANCALP Gender Resource Group

331 Sarna Toli, KadruRanchi – 834002 (Jharkhand) India.

Phone : (+91) 651 2340304, (+91)9430367949, (+91) 9430106579.

Email : [email protected]@yahoo.co.in

CWLRConsult for Women and

Land RightsSecretariat - Sathi All For Partnerships E-18 Anand Lok, Mayur Vihar Phase 1

New Delhi 110091. India.Phone : (+91) 11 22756014

(+91) 9810536717Email : [email protected],

[email protected] : www.cwlr.net

A D A D A D A D A Document B ocument B ocument B ocument B ocument B y y y y y : G: G: G: G: Genderenderenderenderender, Liv , Liv , Liv , Liv , Liv elihoods and R elihoods and R elihoods and R elihoods and R elihoods and R esouresouresouresouresources Fces Fces Fces Fces Forororororum (GLRF)um (GLRF)um (GLRF)um (GLRF)um (GLRF)Consult forConsult forConsult forConsult forConsult for W W W W W omen and Land Rights (CWLR)omen and Land Rights (CWLR)omen and Land Rights (CWLR)omen and Land Rights (CWLR)omen and Land Rights (CWLR)



Establishing Women’s Resource Rights

Agenda in Tribal Community

A Document By : Gender, Livelihoods and Resources Forum (GLRF)and Consult for Women and Land Rights(CWLR)

Coordinated By : Saheli Adhyayan Kendra (SAK) Sahebganj

Compiled and Ediited By : Praveer Peter

Published with Support of : Action Aid IndiaSaheli Adhyayan Kendra

A A A A A cknocknocknocknockno wledgement: wledgement: wledgement: wledgement: wledgement: W W W W W e are are are are are grateful to:e grateful to:e grateful to:e grateful to:e grateful to:

Anna Soren (Pakur), Priyasheela Besra (Sahebganj), Munni Hembrom (Dumka), Neelam

Besra (Hazaribagh), Magdalini Murmu (Deoghar), Vandana Tete (Ranchi), Shobha Kujur(Ranchi) and Mansi Dungdung (Simdega) for being part of the strategy developmentdiscussions and in the campaign work with the community.



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Context for Women’s Land Rights

Across the third world, women play significant roles as producers and providers of foodand nutritional security, as homemakers and as managers of natural resources. While theircontribution to the sustenance and survival of these economies is immense, it often goesunnoticed. In fact, the prevalent social system discriminates and marginalises women in more

ways than one. Women’s vulnerabilities are intricately linked to the lack of security of tenure. Incidents

of domestic violence, trafficking, female foeticide and dowry deaths are all rooted in women’spowerlessness, and their dependence on the male members of the family. Traditional modes of dispossession are compounded with pressures of globalisation and privatisation. As the poorface increasing displacement and forced eviction due to development and economic needs of our societies, it is the women who suffer most.

In this context, one of the most important factors that can empower and secure women’slives is their right over land. This right is a source of life, livelihood and social security. Itempowers women to make informed choices and take independent decisions, thus reducingtheir social, economic and political vulnerability. The empowerment process needs furthersupport of institutional mechanisms.

From a women’s perspective, the right over land enables them to claim their share of theresource that sustains their communities, establish ownership over it and thereby have controlover the fruits of their labour on land and, in their homes.

Laws are important but not enoughIn societies where patriarchal dictates determine the status of a woman, land policies and

laws do not ensure fulfillment of this right Many legal systems as in India are reluctant to



Set up a firm policy and agree on targets to increase rural women’s access to land andproperty through inter ministerial coordination between Women’s, Forest, Revenue,

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development Ministries.

Law Undertake land reform measures such as tenancy reforms and imposition of land ceiling

with explicit provisions favouring women. Implement agrarian reform in recognition of women’s role in food and agricultural

production.

Remove gender inequalities in laws. Codify and redefine customary laws on issues of land and inheritance based on the principle

of gender equity. Ensure gender equality in tenure and inheritance laws. Introduce legal provisions for unmarried, separated, divorced, deserted women and widows,

in laws related to property/land, where they do not exist.

Programmes Provide different schemes for purchase of land and housing through loans under poverty

alleviation programmes to single women and women’s self help groups. Provide systems offering credit and training for women’s groups to invest in or cultivate

land. These supports may be conditional for nontransferable user rights. Reduce women’s dependence on male relatives by providing external support structures to

deal with intra family conflict in relation to housing and land. Lease government land to women’s collectives to reduce gender gap in land ownership.

Administrative mechanisms



Recent Initiatives on Tribal Women’s Land andResource Rights

On May 26, 2005 when Tribal women from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh deposed infront of NNNNNational Commission forational Commission forational Commission forational Commission forational Commission for W W W W W omen in Allahabadomen in Allahabadomen in Allahabadomen in Allahabadomen in Allahabad (India), they reported violations of their rights as provided in tribal customary practices.

At a meeting in New York the indigenous women stated that their fight of retainingland is at par with what the male leaders strategize and the desire is to retain land for the

community. Yet within community managements if the women face issues of discrimination,it will be dealt from within their own customary practices. The leaders of tribal communitiesdenied that tribal land alienation debates demanded more clarity from the documenters of thecase. The uniqueness of each case differed but the extent of the existence of women’s landrights violations needed to be understood in its different dimensions. Thus an effort was madetowards identification of more cases.

To communicate the case of the victims the victim as well as her translator neededdeeper clarity on the context of their traditions and customary frameworks. This was neededto articulate cases better to an audience that do not comprehend the cultural ethos of thetribal communities to which the victims belong. An over all understanding of what womenmay want as their land and resource rights was needed so that a framework of localunderstanding may guide the process of search for solution of a increasing violation perceivedby CWLR.

V V V V V asavi Kirasavi Kirasavi Kirasavi Kirasavi Kirooooo’’’’’s Ps Ps Ps Ps Paperaperaperaperaper - A tribal woman activist from Jharkhand wrote a paper on thetribal women land rights issue, which said, that the customary rights need reassertion toensure existing provisions for tribal women. “We are demanding that tribal land restorationprocess should be implement strictly accordingly CNT and SPTActs Without land restoration



of the situation such that empirical evidence is brought out in a public forum to stress that woman’s land rights in context of tribal situation needs to be taken on as an agenda for the civilsociety.

Santhal Pargana was also chosen for its distance from the Chota Nagpur area wheremajor displacement has taken place. It was felt that some activists who advocate more strongly for anti-displacement and tribal survival do so because of their experiences with majordisplacement projects. Tribal leaders advocated against tribal women land rights as they feltthat raising such a demand will only weaken the movement for tribal assertion. The purposeof studying social security provided to tribal women from amongst their community was to

build up the case that tribal women were being denied spaces within the tribal ‘changed ordeteriorated’ present day traditions and customs.

Debate on Customs, Codification and Gender

Equity Concepts

There has been major debate on customary practices, their form in the presentThere has been major debate on customary practices, their form in the presentThere has been major debate on customary practices, their form in the presentThere has been major debate on customary practices, their form in the presentThere has been major debate on customary practices, their form in the presentsituation and their codification, opinions on the issue varied and reflected on thesituation and their codification, opinions on the issue varied and reflected on thesituation and their codification, opinions on the issue varied and reflected on thesituation and their codification, opinions on the issue varied and reflected on thesituation and their codification, opinions on the issue varied and reflected on theapprapprapprapprapproach for analysis and interoach for analysis and interoach for analysis and interoach for analysis and interoach for analysis and interv v v v v ention.ention.ention.ention.ention. The differThe differThe differThe differThe different apprent apprent apprent apprent approaches w oaches w oaches w oaches w oaches w ererererere:e:e:e:e:

The rThe rThe rThe rThe realm of customarealm of customarealm of customarealm of customarealm of customary rights is the only path thry rights is the only path thry rights is the only path thry rights is the only path thry rights is the only path through which womenough which womenough which womenough which womenough which women’’’’’s rightss rightss rightss rightss rights

within tribal community can be pr within tribal community can be pr within tribal community can be pr within tribal community can be pr within tribal community can be preseresereseresereserv v v v v ed.ed.ed.ed.ed. This is ‘This is ‘This is ‘This is ‘This is ‘the only the only the only the only the only ’ way the tribal cultur’ way the tribal cultur’ way the tribal cultur’ way the tribal cultur’ way the tribal cultureeeeeand identity can be preserved.and identity can be preserved.and identity can be preserved.and identity can be preserved.and identity can be preserved.

The concept of gender equity is quite different in the tribal community and itThe concept of gender equity is quite different in the tribal community and itThe concept of gender equity is quite different in the tribal community and itThe concept of gender equity is quite different in the tribal community and itThe concept of gender equity is quite different in the tribal community and itshould not be comparshould not be comparshould not be comparshould not be comparshould not be compared bed bed bed bed by the gender equity concept of the mainstry the gender equity concept of the mainstry the gender equity concept of the mainstry the gender equity concept of the mainstry the gender equity concept of the mainstream societyeam societyeam societyeam societyeam society



Data Collection Process in the Tribal Community

Questions for Survey Name of Woman, Family size (M/F child) total, Land in Bighas (total owned / lease-in /

lease-out) Marital status of women, Widow / Deserted / Separated / Single above 25 yrs/ Gharjamai / Polygamy, Occupation (M/F), Literacy level (M/F) (Boys / Girls), Access toState benefits (M/F) (pension, employment card), Whether land in woman’s name /Existence of dispute related to land

Guidelines for Case Study Personal Information, Name of woman, Father’s name, Name of natal village, No. of

siblings, Education level, Amount of land held, Age at marriage, How was the marriagearranged, Husband’s name, No. of persons in husband’s family, Name of marital village,Occupation of husband, Education level of husband, Amount of land held, No. of children,Sex, age and educational level of children, No. of years married

Land & livelihood resources availability, Does she have house to live, Does she have landfor cultivation, how much, Does she face any difficulty in cultivation, Sources of Income, Access to any government scheme

When and why desertion, separation took place, Actions by Relatives, Panchayat toreconcile, Legal Recourse if any, Support provided by the family/village, Land & livelihoodresources available to her, Problems/dispute in claiming land, Has husband remarried,Have any proposals for remarriage come for her, feasibility of remarriage

Age at widowhood, Support provided by the Husband’s family, Support provided by the woman’s own family, Support provided by Panchayat/Govt, Land & livelihood resourcesavailable to her, Problems/dispute in claiming land, Children’s status - situation & support,



What should be the correct form of marriage so that the rights of woman are protected?Marriage registration in panchayat – How to separate? – the role of panchayat – IsPolygamy prevalent in tribal society okay? Are changes required?

Do you know of cases of violations like – dayan / denial of land to widow / denial of gharjamai / unwed mothers – What should be the role of tribal leadership in such cases?

Which tribal customs make provisions for women to get land? What is the percentage onthe ground of women getting land through customs (such as Taben-Jom) ? What variationsof the customs are existing in the same tribe? In what form was Taben-Jom in earlier timesand how is it in present times? Whether this is a nice custom? Should it continue? What

is the present situation of Taben-Jom land that was received by some women? In whosecontrol is the land in the present?

Group Discussion in Tribal community on the IssueSmall meetings were organized in the respective panchayats where survey was carried out

and in some districts with 25-30 tribal women.

OOOOOn, what is the differn, what is the differn, what is the differn, what is the differn, what is the difference betw ence betw ence betw ence betw ence betw eeneeneeneeneen TTTTTribal and other communities the folloribal and other communities the folloribal and other communities the folloribal and other communities the folloribal and other communities the follo wing was wing was wing was wing was wing wasexpressedexpressedexpressedexpressedexpressed In tribal community alcoholism is more. This has increased in the recent days where

urbanization has taken place. They have started taking local liquor instead of the rice beerand are not able to control their pockets. Thus while they are earning from the mining

work they are similarly spending it.

Spending on social occasions and merry making in the form of guests entertainment hasalso increased their expenditure. This leaves them with little money to get their childeducated, good nutritious food or health facility. Hence very few men tribal men havel b ki



On the different forms of marriageOn the different forms of marriageOn the different forms of marriageOn the different forms of marriageOn the different forms of marriage Tribal women expressed that there are eight different types of marriages recognized by

tribal community. But some of them are very old fashioned, like the one of ‘putting sindur

on girl’s forehead in the haat, living together for sometime and finally to be accepted by the village’. These need to be reconsidered as many of them bring risks on the girl, boysmany a times leaving after certain duration.

In the discussions it has finally emerged that all forms of tribal marriages should beregistered by the panchayats (traditional or otherwise). Registration should be an essentialaspect of all marriages and that men should be allowed to have only one wife at a time.

Separations should also likewise be recorded along with the maintenance etc that is given.This will prevent tribal men to run away from the marriage bond which has increased inthe recent days (where the traditional panchayats have been able to take only littlerecourse in favour of the women).

OOOOOnnnnn TTTTTaben-Jaben-Jaben-Jaben-Jaben-Jom and Dom and Dom and Dom and Dom and Dooooo wr wr wr wr wry y y y y Although till last generation ‘tabenjom’ a little part of rice crops were given to women but

it was not as a ‘right’ depending only on personal choice. Widows are also tortured till they leave the home, for not giving them share in land and

resources. Dowry system is less in tribal community but in the recent days it is increasing.

Findings of a Process of Re-Search in the Tribal Community1. In many areas tribal land was alienated without the knowledge of the female members of

the family. Most of such land alienation has been near market or roads.2. Widows have a right to use the land for maintenance for their lifetime but in some cases

it has been reported that the heirs connive to declare the widow as witches and drive them



Recommendations from the Re-Search

1 Customs such as ‘Taben-Jom’ and widow’s rights should be legitimized and validatedin the legal code.

2 Rather than being seen as exceptional gifts, the rights of a sister (taben-jom), wife and widow should be recognised as transfers, just as gharjamai rights have been recognized,both in the SPTA and any other civil rules that may be formulated.

3 Record of rights should include mention of women’s secondary rights to particular

plots of land, such as bari plots.4 Women’s right to own immovable property should be added in the Santhal CivilRules 1946. If a tribal woman marries a non-tribal man and if the woman dies in any circumstance then the immovable property which the woman had received from herfather should go back to father’s lineage.

5 All divorced / deserted wives should receive maintenance or a plot of land in lieu of

maintenance.6 In all those lands where women are also cultivating, Settlement Survey should also

include women’s name as Occupants.7 Land declared as ‘Photi-Pharari’ and non-Raiyati lands lying under Pradhan’s control

should be settled in names of needy women.8 The joint ownership of land for wife and husband can be made statutory to prevent

land alienation without the consent of either. 9. A married woman shouldhave her name as equal partner on husband’s property.

9 Provision should be made in the law that in case of death of a childless widow the



Research on Tribal Women

Any research on tribal women needs to be done taking into considerations Any research on tribal women needs to be done taking into considerations Any research on tribal women needs to be done taking into considerations Any research on tribal women needs to be done taking into considerations Any research on tribal women needs to be done taking into considerationsthe sensitivities inv the sensitivities inv the sensitivities inv the sensitivities inv the sensitivities inv olv olv olv olv olv ed.ed.ed.ed.ed. This sensitivity is rThis sensitivity is rThis sensitivity is rThis sensitivity is rThis sensitivity is related to the tribal v elated to the tribal v elated to the tribal v elated to the tribal v elated to the tribal v aluesaluesaluesaluesaluesand their concept of equity and their concept of equity and their concept of equity and their concept of equity and their concept of equity . R . R . R . R . R esearesearesearesearesearch can only be frch can only be frch can only be frch can only be frch can only be fruitful if it builds upuitful if it builds upuitful if it builds upuitful if it builds upuitful if it builds upthe action strategy which can be implemented.the action strategy which can be implemented.the action strategy which can be implemented.the action strategy which can be implemented.the action strategy which can be implemented.

From the debates and discussions it has emerged that the tribal worldview From the debates and discussions it has emerged that the tribal worldview From the debates and discussions it has emerged that the tribal worldview From the debates and discussions it has emerged that the tribal worldview From the debates and discussions it has emerged that the tribal worldview

is v is v is v is v is v ererererery much differy much differy much differy much differy much different frent frent frent frent from that of the mainstrom that of the mainstrom that of the mainstrom that of the mainstrom that of the mainstream society eam society eam society eam society eam society , and any , and any , and any , and any , and any effort to forcefully implement a different value structure will hamper theeffort to forcefully implement a different value structure will hamper theeffort to forcefully implement a different value structure will hamper theeffort to forcefully implement a different value structure will hamper theeffort to forcefully implement a different value structure will hamper thetotal tribal existence.total tribal existence.total tribal existence.total tribal existence.total tribal existence. TherTherTherTherThere hav e hav e hav e hav e hav e been changes with the emergence of e been changes with the emergence of e been changes with the emergence of e been changes with the emergence of e been changes with the emergence of class differentiation and global economy but the cumulative tribalclass differentiation and global economy but the cumulative tribalclass differentiation and global economy but the cumulative tribalclass differentiation and global economy but the cumulative tribalclass differentiation and global economy but the cumulative tribalpopulation is still in a stage where it is not ready for major changes.population is still in a stage where it is not ready for major changes.population is still in a stage where it is not ready for major changes.population is still in a stage where it is not ready for major changes.population is still in a stage where it is not ready for major changes.

Custom is an important variable which has been given importance inCustom is an important variable which has been given importance inCustom is an important variable which has been given importance inCustom is an important variable which has been given importance inCustom is an important variable which has been given importance inthe customarthe customarthe customarthe customarthe customary rights and hence in the SPTy rights and hence in the SPTy rights and hence in the SPTy rights and hence in the SPTy rights and hence in the SPT A and CNT A and CNT A and CNT A and CNT A and CNT A acts which r A acts which r A acts which r A acts which r A acts which r uleuleuleuleulethe gothe gothe gothe gothe gov v v v v ernance of laws rernance of laws rernance of laws rernance of laws rernance of laws related to the tribals of Jharelated to the tribals of Jharelated to the tribals of Jharelated to the tribals of Jharelated to the tribals of Jharkhand.khand.khand.khand.khand. The ‘The ‘The ‘The ‘The ‘prprprprprev ev ev ev ev alencealencealencealencealenceof customof customof customof customof custom’ is an impor’ is an impor’ is an impor’ is an impor’ is an important study artant study artant study artant study artant study area which needs to be carried out inea which needs to be carried out inea which needs to be carried out inea which needs to be carried out inea which needs to be carried out insome y some y some y some y some y earearearearear’’’’’s gap in all tribal communities, as these customs ars gap in all tribal communities, as these customs ars gap in all tribal communities, as these customs ars gap in all tribal communities, as these customs ars gap in all tribal communities, as these customs are differe differe differe differe differentententententfor different tribe and they are constantly ongoing changes with passagefor different tribe and they are constantly ongoing changes with passagefor different tribe and they are constantly ongoing changes with passagefor different tribe and they are constantly ongoing changes with passagefor different tribe and they are constantly ongoing changes with passageof time.of time.of time.of time.of time.

For a research to be accepted amongst the tribal community it needs toFor a research to be accepted amongst the tribal community it needs toFor a research to be accepted amongst the tribal community it needs toFor a research to be accepted amongst the tribal community it needs toFor a research to be accepted amongst the tribal community it needs to

be carried out in consultation and parbe carried out in consultation and parbe carried out in consultation and parbe carried out in consultation and parbe carried out in consultation and participation of the tribal community ticipation of the tribal community ticipation of the tribal community ticipation of the tribal community ticipation of the tribal community .....This is necessary for an ‘insider’ position / opinions to be obtained in theThis is necessary for an ‘insider’ position / opinions to be obtained in theThis is necessary for an ‘insider’ position / opinions to be obtained in theThis is necessary for an ‘insider’ position / opinions to be obtained in theThis is necessary for an ‘insider’ position / opinions to be obtained in thestudy study study study study . An ‘. An ‘. An ‘. An ‘. An ‘outsideroutsideroutsideroutsideroutsider’ vie’ vie’ vie’ vie’ vie wpoint is also impor wpoint is also impor wpoint is also impor wpoint is also impor wpoint is also important which will help build thetant which will help build thetant which will help build thetant which will help build thetant which will help build thed b t d tid b t d tid b t d tid b t d tid b t d ti t d ith th i tt d ith th i tt d ith th i tt d ith th i tt d ith th i t i ti ti ti ti t WhWhWhWhWh



Case Situations and Testimonies

The critiques of The critiques of The critiques of The critiques of The critiques of TTTTTribalribalribalribalribal W W W W W omenomenomenomenomen’’’’’s Land Rights Ms Land Rights Ms Land Rights Ms Land Rights Ms Land Rights Mooooov v v v v ement take the examplesement take the examplesement take the examplesement take the examplesement take the examplesof case situations giv of case situations giv of case situations giv of case situations giv of case situations giv en underen underen underen underen under, as just instances, ignoring its cumulativ , as just instances, ignoring its cumulativ , as just instances, ignoring its cumulativ , as just instances, ignoring its cumulativ , as just instances, ignoring its cumulativ e impacte impacte impacte impacte impacton the status of women in the socety on the status of women in the socety on the status of women in the socety on the status of women in the socety on the status of women in the socety . As ther. As ther. As ther. As ther. As there is no pre is no pre is no pre is no pre is no procedurocedurocedurocedurocedure to effectiv e to effectiv e to effectiv e to effectiv e to effectiv ely ely ely ely ely document and work on such cases which are spread throughout the tribaldocument and work on such cases which are spread throughout the tribaldocument and work on such cases which are spread throughout the tribaldocument and work on such cases which are spread throughout the tribaldocument and work on such cases which are spread throughout the tribalcommunity (or even in other communities) regardless of the tribe, region incommunity (or even in other communities) regardless of the tribe, region incommunity (or even in other communities) regardless of the tribe, region incommunity (or even in other communities) regardless of the tribe, region incommunity (or even in other communities) regardless of the tribe, region insome form or the othersome form or the othersome form or the othersome form or the othersome form or the other, the case for a r, the case for a r, the case for a r, the case for a r, the case for a reform in tribal laws is getting hareform in tribal laws is getting hareform in tribal laws is getting hareform in tribal laws is getting hareform in tribal laws is getting hard tod tod tod tod to

build. Infact this was the argument that was kept in Juliana Lakra case and abuild. Infact this was the argument that was kept in Juliana Lakra case and abuild. Infact this was the argument that was kept in Juliana Lakra case and abuild. Infact this was the argument that was kept in Juliana Lakra case and abuild. Infact this was the argument that was kept in Juliana Lakra case and acommittee was asked to look at the cumulation of such cases where tribalcommittee was asked to look at the cumulation of such cases where tribalcommittee was asked to look at the cumulation of such cases where tribalcommittee was asked to look at the cumulation of such cases where tribalcommittee was asked to look at the cumulation of such cases where tribal women women women women women’ land right w ’ land right w ’ land right w ’ land right w ’ land right w ererererere denied, but this nev e denied, but this nev e denied, but this nev e denied, but this nev e denied, but this nev er happened.er happened.er happened.er happened.er happened.

But advocacy is still dependent on such cases being cited in community But advocacy is still dependent on such cases being cited in community But advocacy is still dependent on such cases being cited in community But advocacy is still dependent on such cases being cited in community But advocacy is still dependent on such cases being cited in community meetings or public hearings.meetings or public hearings.meetings or public hearings.meetings or public hearings.meetings or public hearings. The challenge still rThe challenge still rThe challenge still rThe challenge still rThe challenge still remains for the quantificationemains for the quantificationemains for the quantificationemains for the quantificationemains for the quantificationas the accusation that a micro issue is being shown as highlighted as a bigas the accusation that a micro issue is being shown as highlighted as a bigas the accusation that a micro issue is being shown as highlighted as a bigas the accusation that a micro issue is being shown as highlighted as a bigas the accusation that a micro issue is being shown as highlighted as a bigone, still floats around in the public sphere.one, still floats around in the public sphere.one, still floats around in the public sphere.one, still floats around in the public sphere.one, still floats around in the public sphere.

Widow Faces Ostracism For Violating Tribal Laws Ajit Paul; 8/9/06; www.ucanews.com

The rains have given Salomi Tiru temporary reprieve. The 65-year-old tribal Catholic widow can stay in her hometown until the rainy season ends. Jharkhand Parha Raja Mahasamiti,the grand assembly of priests of tribal religions of Jharkhand state, has ostracized Tiru forviolating tribal laws. On July 30, the assembly ordered Tiru to leave by Sept. 21, but on Aug.



Munda, a former vice chancellor of Ranchi University, pointed out that the main reason triballaws “discourage” adoption is to prevent land alienation.

He further pointed out that Tiru and her husband could have adopted children from the

same tribe and with permission from the tribal leaders. “Instead, they adopted non-tribalchildren without taking the society into confidence.”

Tiru told UCA News in August that the move by the tribal priests has endangered herfamily, and she has sought intervention from the National Human Rights Commission. Sheexplained that some people want to grab her personal property. Her adopted son said, “Anythingcan happen to us any time.”

Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo of Ranchi told UCA News in late August he wantsthe controversy viewed from a “humanitarian angle” and “without causing any injury to theaffected family.” He also said adoption is “a noble act.” Nonetheless, the first Asian tribalCatholic cardinal said tribal people have “their own personal laws of governance,” and theChurch does not “interfere with the customary laws of any tribe.”

In fact, Dhan said, neither the Church nor any other organization can do much. Even thegovernment cannot interfere with tribal customary laws of governance, the tribal leader

stated.Ranchi, 1,160 kilometers southeast of New Delhi, is the Jharkhand capital and Khunti,

a predominantly Munda town, lies 36 kilometers further south. Meanwhile the administrationhas increased security for Tiru and her son. K. Prasad, the top government official in Khunti,told UCA News his concern is to ensure law and order, and prevent any human-rights violation.

Adivasi Testimonies in Women’s Tribunal Against Poverty17 Oct 2007 (New Delhi) - Presented By Priyasheela BesraOn behalf of Gender Livelihoods and Resources Forum (GLRF)



a decision is against the Santhal custom which has been upheld under the Santhal ParganaTenancy Act in the area. And hence Baha is still devoid of any land rights.

Case Two1. Name : Agatha Marandi2. Age : 383. Village (with some detail ): Bijoypur, Barharwa, Sahibganj, Jharkhand4. Social Group ( Dalit/MBC/SC/ST ) – ST (Santhal)5. Family Status ( Single (widow/ separated/ Unmarried )/Married/ ) – Single (unmarried)6. Children (Girls/boys with age) : None7. Whether children go to school ( how far school is/ children get midday meal?/ ) – NA 8. Source of Income ( Labour/Artisan/Under NREGA/Other) – Labour9. Life story – Agatha had 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Her father gave 5 bighas of land in her

name before he died as she was unmarried (she had gone to become a Catholic Sister andlater came back from there). Her brothers and sisters did not objected to her enjoying thebenefits of the land, getting it tilled, etc. Two years back the daughters of her brother (her

nephews) started feud with her, when her brothers had died. They asserted their rightsover this land of Agatha, besides the land which was their father’s (Agatha brother’s).

Agatha was cultivating her land on ‘Batai’ (share-cropping) and when this time the crops were ready the nephews came with a group and cut away the crops. The local Thana hasnot been able to do any help, and she has filed a case at the sub-divisional court. Now

Agatha is running from here to there seeking help, the panchayat leaders have not been

able to do any thing, though the decision of land allotment to Agatha took place in frontof them.

Migration of Tribal Women



National Domestic Workers’ Forum gave her shelter and care. The forum, through its Ranchi wing at Ursuline Girls’ School, would now try to trace her family in Gumla.

Few are as lucky Few are as lucky Few are as lucky Few are as lucky Few are as lucky Thousands of girls from Jharkhand’s towns and villages, lured by the prospect of decent

earning, find themselves in Delhi each year. The system operates through a well-oiled andefficient network of touts and agents, who bring the girls to the so-called placementagencies.”There are more than 500 such agencies spread all over New Delhi today and thereare tribal girls from Jharkhand in almost every middle and upper-middle class home from

South extension to Defence colony to Vasant Vihar to Pritampura,” says Sister Pratiti of Chetanalaya, National Domestic Workers’ Forum (NDWF) with centres in Mumbai andRanchi.

Though there has never been a comprehensive survey, NGOs like Chetanalaya, NirmalaNiketan and the Indian Social Institute, which are trying to organise domestic help in New Delhi and fighting for their rights, estimate that their number could be anywhere between80,000 to a lakh.

The sheer number of such placement agencies is mind-boggling. Punjabi Bagh, in WestDelhi alone, has more than fifty agencies running in small tenements in the densely populatedLal Quarter. These are run either by tribal youths or locals who hire tribals both in villages andin New Delhi to ensure a steady supply. Typically, an agent in a village in Gumla or Simdegabrings the girl to Ranchi from where they are taken to Delhi by an another agent and“supplied” to placement agencies. These agencies have a few tiny rooms or cubicles where the

girls are housed till they get a job. Besides, the placement agency charges the girls their firstsalary for travel and other incidental expenses.Many have Christian names complete with pictures of Jesus Christ, a cross or Mother

Teresa on their signboards and visiting cards Since more than 90 per cent of the girls who go



Help for needy womenHelp for needy womenHelp for needy womenHelp for needy womenHelp for needy womenPhilomena, a former domestic help from Gumla, is a volunteer with the NDWF. “It’s very

difficult to get authentic information. Many girls are minors. In the records the agencies write

false ages or names,” she says. The touts threaten and abuse the girls with only a rare few functioning honestly. However, Michael Dungdung, Deenbandhu Tirkey and Birsius Dungdung,

who run Saint Monica Placement Services argue they’re in the business only to help needy women with no avenues of employment.

Meena, (name changed on request) who had come to Delhi 10 years ago, works at theplacement agency. “I had come here through the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, a convent. But

later, I found the nuns uncooperative and authoritarian. They offer shelter to tribal girls, trainthem in household chores till they find a job. But at times, they throw them out if the girlsquestion or disobey them.”

Meena had worked for around three years as a domestic help before she was sent back toher village in Jharkhand to get married. “ My fiancé refused to marry me and I had to returnto Delhi,” she says. But the nuns refused to give her shelter at the Yuvati Seva Sadan (an NGOthat is run by the Sisters of Mary Immaculate). Instead of working as a domestic help, she

started working for the Saint Monica Placement Agency.

Money and marriageMoney and marriageMoney and marriageMoney and marriageMoney and marriage According to noted women’s activist, Dr Rose Kerketta, based in Ranchi, the question of

mass-scale migration is not new to the region. “As part of the Jharkhand Mahila Mukti Samiti,I had raised the issue in 1986 linking the problem of women’s migration with their absence of

land and property rights. As tribal women have no right to property, they’re dependent onmale members of the family”, she says.Tribal leaders believed the solution to all problems was a separate state. Yet, migration

has only increased after Jharkhand was formed “In tribal families the burden of providing for



Succession, Gender Equality and CustomaryTribal Laws

The recent Hindu Succession Amendment Bill, making the daughter a member of thecoparcenary, will make no difference to tribal women, since customary tribal laws continue todiscriminate against women in the matter of succession.

The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Bill 2004, passed unanimously by the Lok Sabha,making the daughter a member of the coparcenary, is a significant move towards gender

equality in the matter of succession among Hindus. However, customary tribal law as well asstate-level enactments like the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, continue to discriminateagainst women in the matter of succession.

As far back as 1982, Madhu Kishwar (editor of the magazine Manushi ), Sonamuni andMuki Dui (the widow and married daughter respectively of Muki Banguma from Lonjovillage, Singhbhum, Jharkhand) and members of the Ho tribe, challenged Sections 7, 8 and 76of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act as violative of the right to equality and the right to life.

Juliana Lakra, an Oraon Christian tribal woman from the Chotanagpur area, also challengedthese provisions through a writ petition in the apex court, in 1986. The two petitions raisedthe common issue of parity between female and male tribal members in the matter of intestatesuccession, and were heard together. Both petitions pertained to tribes (the Ho and theOraon) in the state of Bihar, although customary laws excluding tribal women from inheritanceof land or property are also found among tribals in other states.

The provisions challenged clearly specify that only descendants in the male line of theoriginal founders of the village who reclaimed land from the jungle are to be considered raiyats

with khunt-katti rights, ie, raiyats in occupation or having subsisting title to the land. Similarly,l l h d d d h l l f d h h d h



laws in line with the Hindu Succession Act and the Indian Succession Act. However, the judgment observed that it is well established that the right to livelihood is part of the right tolife. Elaborating, the court observed that widows would become destitute after the death of

their husbands and lose their livelihood, as the land would revert to the male descendants.This would be violative of their right to life. The court declared that female relatives of the lastmale tenant could hold the land as long as they remain dependent on it for their livelihood.The exclusive right of male succession in Sections 6 and 7 of the Act was held to remain insuspended animation so long as the right to livelihood of female descendants remains valid.

However, it is the dissenting minority judgment of K Ramaswamy that makes for moreinteresting reading and could be a pointer to moving towards greater gender equality amongtribal communities.

The law includes custom or usage that is ancient, well-established and has the force of law. Thus, tribal laws that prohibit inheritance to daughters fall within the law. After thecoming into force of the Constitution, pre-constitutional laws inconsistent with fundamentalrights are to be considered void. Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees the fundamentalright to equality. Article 15 (1) prohibits gender discrimination. Referring to the directive

principles, Justice Ramaswamy points out that Article 39 (a) enjoins the state to ensure thatmen and women equally have adequate means of livelihood. Article 38 directs the state topromote the welfare of people (men and women alike) by securing a social order in which

justice — social, economic and political — informs all institutions of national life.International conventions and protocols are a valid source of law and can be taken into

account by courts in our country while adjudicating upon issues raised before them. The

minority judgment notes that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a declaration,on 4-12-1986, on ‘The Right to Development’, which was ratified by India. The declarationassures the right to development as an inalienable human right. It also enjoins the state toobserve all human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination as to race sex



to take appropriate measures including legislation and modification of the law to abolishgender-based discrimination in existing laws, customs and practices.

Article 21 of the Constitution reinforces the right to life. Life in its expanded meaning

today includes all that gives meaning to a person’s life including culture, heritage and tradition. Articles 51-A (h) and (j) enjoin a fundamental duty to develop scientific temper, humanism,inquiry and excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity. The minority judgmentnotes that “property is one of the important endowments or natural assets to accord opportunity,source to develop personality, to be independent, right to equal status and dignity of aperson”.

The judgment observes that agriculture is the only source of livelihood for tribals, apartfrom the collection and sale of minor forest produce. It notes that land is the most importantnatural asset and an imperishable endowment from which tribals derive their sustenance,social status, permanent place of abode and work. The judgment holds that the reasons fordenial of the right to succession to women, like the preservation of integrity of rural society,the unity of family life and the agnate theory of succession are irrelevant today.

Respective state laws throughout the country prohibit the sale of land in tribal areas to

non-tribals. Clauses for the restoration of land to tribals, in case of transfers in violation of thelaw, have also been incorporated. Permission from the competent authority is an essentialrequirement for alienation. The minority judgment observes that if female heirs want toalienate their lands to non-tribals, these legislations would act as a check. In the event of any need for alienation by a tribal female, it would be subject to the operation of these laws andthe first offer would be given to the brothers or agnates. In the event of their refusal or

unwillingness, a sale would be made to other tribals. Sale by female tribals to non-tribals canonly be made subject to permission from the competent authority under the law. JusticeRamaswamy took the view that in light of these provisions the apprehensions expressed by thestate-level Tribal Advisory Board that giving the right to succession to female heirs would lead



Indigenous Women and the UN System

Indigenous women have always been part of their peoples’ struggles, whether nationally or at international fora. There is a legacy of extraordinary women, who came to the UN sincethe very first year of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, in 1982 in Geneva,Switzerland. Today, at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues indigenous womenparticipate in great numbers and have a strong voice.

The interface between indigenous women’s movement and the international women’s

movement varies through the years. Not always were they close, most of all due to particularitiesin the situation of indigenous women who live in communities in struggle. However, in recentyears the two movements are getting closer. For instance, indigenous women are now raisingstronger voices in claiming the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Despite their enormous assets and contribution to society, indigenous women stillsuffer from multiple discrimination, both as women and as indigenous individuals. They are

subjected to extreme poverty, trafficking, illiteracy, lack of access to ancestral lands, non-existent or poor health care and to violence in the private and the public sphere. This violenceis exacerbated when indigenous communities find themselves in the midst of conflict and

women become the target of violence with political motives, when going about their daily work, fetching wood or water for the family.

Indigenous Women and the UNPFIIThe Third Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in May 2004 was

focused on indigenous women, and adopted a comprehensive agenda.The session was enriched by three preparatory meetings held in Latin America,



International Indigenous Women’s ForumDeclaration

W W W W W eeeee, the women of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum, have come togetherin New York on February 26 and 27 and March 12, 2005, for a three-day conferencebeginning just prior to the 49th Session of the United Nations Commission on theStatus of Women, in which we will take part. Our purpose in gathering is to strengthenour skills, strategies and advocacy work on behalf of ourselves, our Peoples, our communities

and Women’s human rights globally. W W W W W e notee notee notee notee note that there have been qualitative and quantitative advances, but today, 10

years after the Fourth UN World Conference on Women in Beijing; half-way throughthe decade devoted to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Indigenous Women continue to face a crisis stemming from: unbridled and escalating militarism,gender-based violence which includes rape and trafficking of women within our owncommunities and as a tactic of armed conflicts; and macro-economic policies that disregardcollective rights and deny us our livelihoods and basic services, including safe potable water, health care and culturally appropriate education and institutions.

W W W W W e call one call one call one call one call on our governments to reaffirm and fully implement the Beijing Platformfor Action (BPfA) on the occasion of the Ten-Year Review and Appraisal of implementation

of the BPfA and to commit to stronger action to advance Indigenous Women’s humanrights at this critical juncture. W W W W W e notee notee notee notee note with disappointment that the process of full recognition of Indigenous

P l i h h k l d h U i d N i



We call on governments to meet their obligations to ensure access to high quality, culturally appropriate health services, including full-spectrum, reproductive and sexual health services. We call on governments to undertake a concerted global response to the AIDS pandemic

and to pursue strategies for prevention and universal treatment of diseasesdisproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

W W W W W e affirme affirme affirme affirme affirm the centrality of individual and collective rights, including sovereignty and self-determination, to the fulfillment of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights and thepreservation of Indigenous Peoples’ natural resources and territories.

W W W W W e affir e affir e affir e affir e affir mmmmm the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Commission on HumanRights for a second Decade of Indigenous Peoples. In order to ensure that adequate attention is paid to Indigenous Women’s human rights, recommend that in the implementation of the resolution there should be a special focus on Indigenous Women.

Sustainable Development

W W W W W e affirme affirme affirme affirme affirm that Indigenous Peoples are united by our lands, natural resources, andtraditional knowledge which are the foundations of Indigenous Wealth, Strength, Identity,and Culture.

W W W W W e re re re re recognizecognizecognizecognizecognizeeeee that, traditionally, Indigenous Women have played an integral role inpreserving our cultural heritages, are important producers of food in our communitiesand the custodians of biodiversity for many of the world’s ecosystems. We are practitioners

of medicine, pharmacology, botany, nutrition, and the keepers of agricultural technology that sustains the polycultures critical to maintaining biodiversity. Moreover, Indigenous Women are the custodians and have the right to be titleholders to land.



deforestation, desertification, flooding, melting of sea ice, land erosion, pollution, and thetoxic contamination of lands and waters are robbing Indigenous Peoples of our way of life, identity and wealth.

The Millennium Development Goals

W W W W W e re re re re recognizecognizecognizecognizecognizeeeee the importance of the MDGs as a tool for advancing strategies forsustainable development and women’s human rights. We call on all governments touphold their commitments to realizing these goals, with an emphasis on Indigenous Women’s full participation.

W W W W W e endorsee endorsee endorsee endorsee endorse the indicator for Goals 1 and 3 (“the elimination of gender disparity inprimary and secondary school education”). However, we recall that the Western paradigmof schooling has impoverished Indigenous Peoples culturally, spiritually and economically. We therefore hold that the needs of our Peoples be addressed in educational policies formeeting this goal.

W W W W W e fure fur

e fure fure further contendther contend

ther contendther contendther contend that Goal 3 (gender equality) cannot be met with a singularfocus on girls’ education. We echo the demands of our sisters throughout the global

women’s movement for an expansion of Goal 3 to address: reproductive and sexualhealth and rights, violence against women, women’s labor and property rights, and thereduction of women’s work burden by guaranteeing access to resources such as technology,sanitation, water, housing, electricity and transportation.

International Indigenous Women’s Forum Declaration, New York, 27 of Feb, 2005



ICCARD Special Thematic Session- Land Rights of Indigenous WomenInternational Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development(ICARRD) - Porto Alegre, Brazil • 7-10 March 2006Session organized by Consult for Women and Land Rights

TTTTTopics discussed :opics discussed :opics discussed :opics discussed :opics discussed :

Lessons on indigenous women’s land and resource rights; Experiences with indigenous women in Northern India

Strengthening of the global network on organizations and individuals working withindigenous women’s rights

Global lobbying and advocacy strategy for ICARRD and beyond alternative forms of landrights

Report on the SessionReport on the SessionReport on the SessionReport on the SessionReport on the SessionIn the spirit of collectivity this session was organized in a participatory sharing mode.

Among the participants were nine indigenous women from British Columbia, Canada; Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkand, India; Nicaragua; Philippines; Uganda, Brazil and a manfrom Rwanda . The chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples shared theposition of the forum on indigenous women and encouraged raising a voice on issues of

indigenous women’s rights. Several others shared their experiences of working with indigenouscommunities. Key issues discussed were customary laws/traditional practices and the transitions

within them over last thirty years, the reasons for this, and identifying a future strategy.



traditions are interpreted in favour of male interests. Women in Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India however have begun to use this flexibility in customary law to make their claims toland, putting forward an alternate interpretation in support of their rights. They, as also

indigenous women in Nicaragua are further struggling to expand their representation withininstitutions, both traditional and of the state, in order to build a facilitative environment.

RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations1. Gaps in understanding of indigenous systems were highlighted and a research agenda was

articulated to include documentation of gender just customary practices, but also thedivergence between customary laws and basic human rights.

2. Linked to this was a demand to recognize the collective rights of Indigenous people toland, water and forests as part of agrarian reform.

3. Finally there was a demand to push for the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

4. There is a critical need to support and train indigenous women to assume leadership rolesin formal public institutions.

From www.icarrd.org/en

Recommendations from Regional Seminar on

Land and Resource Rights of IndigenousWomen in North East India



– Annually compile trends of cases and policy change required• If necessary move Human Rights Commission

W W W W W omenomenomenomenomen’’’’’s R s R s R s R s R epreprepreprepresentation in Gesentation in Gesentation in Gesentation in Gesentation in Gooooov v v v v ernanceernanceernanceernanceernance• Fair and timely Panchayat election• Reservation for women in Panchayat• Activate Mahila Sabha• In the second phase Panchayat women leader chalk out their program to come into

prominence• Demand for dedicated budget to be controlled by women leaders and gramsabha members• Capacity building of elected women leaders and Mahila Gramsabha members• Gender sensitization of male elected members and Gram sevak (secretary Gram Panchayat)

GGGGGender just Pender just Pender just Pender just Pender just Policiesoliciesoliciesoliciesolicies• Promote women’s control within the community over productive resources like water,

forest, seeds to maintain food sovereignty.

• Regulate market assisted land reform as it dispossess the small farmers of their land• Support Low external Input Agriculture - free of pesticide and genetically modified seeds• Ensure gender equality in tenurial and inheritance laws.• Under take land reforms measures such as tenancy reforms, imposition of land ceiling with

explicit provisions favoring women.• Implement agrarian reform in recognition of women’s role in food and agricultural

production.• Provide different schemes for purchase of land and housing through loans under poverty

alleviation programs to single women and women’s self help groups.• The land owned by a women’s collective can be cultivated by women on lease individually



• Research – on topics selected by women to benefit women’s role in using land and otherresources

• Promoting tribal researchers and strengthening Tribal research Institutions

• Design and conduct training to women leaders in resource mapping• Demand for gender disaggregated data from different programs• Reduce women’s dependence on male relatives by providing external support structures to

deal with intra-family conflict in relation to housing and land.

Poverty, Cultural Determinants and Exclusion

PPPPPooooov v v v v erererererty has many rty has many rty has many rty has many rty has many reasons out of which Seasons out of which Seasons out of which Seasons out of which Seasons out of which Social and Cocial and Cocial and Cocial and Cocial and Cultural Dultural Dultural Dultural Dultural Determinantseterminantseterminantseterminantseterminantshavehavehavehavehave rarely been talked about. In the international scenario too, work onrarely been talked about. In the international scenario too, work onrarely been talked about. In the international scenario too, work onrarely been talked about. In the international scenario too, work onrarely been talked about. In the international scenario too, work onICESCR has been very little.ICESCR has been very little.ICESCR has been very little.ICESCR has been very little.ICESCR has been very little.

The Indian Cultural context has many tribal and dalit communitiesThe Indian Cultural context has many tribal and dalit communitiesThe Indian Cultural context has many tribal and dalit communitiesThe Indian Cultural context has many tribal and dalit communitiesThe Indian Cultural context has many tribal and dalit communities

who are living their lives within certain cultural scenario. While this is the who are living their lives within certain cultural scenario. While this is the who are living their lives within certain cultural scenario. While this is the who are living their lives within certain cultural scenario. While this is the who are living their lives within certain cultural scenario. While this is thebeauty of the countrbeauty of the countrbeauty of the countrbeauty of the countrbeauty of the country y y y y , ther, ther, ther, ther, there are are are are are some cultural practices which are some cultural practices which are some cultural practices which are some cultural practices which are some cultural practices which are fascist,e fascist,e fascist,e fascist,e fascist,patriarchal and violate human rights, this need to be understood.patriarchal and violate human rights, this need to be understood.patriarchal and violate human rights, this need to be understood.patriarchal and violate human rights, this need to be understood.patriarchal and violate human rights, this need to be understood.

Exclusion is a phenomenon that many adivasi, dalit and minority Exclusion is a phenomenon that many adivasi, dalit and minority Exclusion is a phenomenon that many adivasi, dalit and minority Exclusion is a phenomenon that many adivasi, dalit and minority Exclusion is a phenomenon that many adivasi, dalit and minority communities are facing. And when we look into the issues of women in thesecommunities are facing. And when we look into the issues of women in thesecommunities are facing. And when we look into the issues of women in thesecommunities are facing. And when we look into the issues of women in thesecommunities are facing. And when we look into the issues of women in theseexcluded communities we can never overlook the cultural (mal)practices whichexcluded communities we can never overlook the cultural (mal)practices whichexcluded communities we can never overlook the cultural (mal)practices whichexcluded communities we can never overlook the cultural (mal)practices whichexcluded communities we can never overlook the cultural (mal)practices which

are a reason for poverty of the women of these communities.are a reason for poverty of the women of these communities.are a reason for poverty of the women of these communities.are a reason for poverty of the women of these communities.are a reason for poverty of the women of these communities.The womenThe womenThe womenThe womenThe women’’’’’s mos mos mos mos mov v v v v ement of the exement of the exement of the exement of the exement of the excluded communities arcluded communities arcluded communities arcluded communities arcluded communities are calling oute calling oute calling oute calling oute calling out

for reform / radical change within their own communities, from theirfor reform / radical change within their own communities, from theirfor reform / radical change within their own communities, from theirfor reform / radical change within their own communities, from theirfor reform / radical change within their own communities, from their



Developing an Intervention Campaign

Setting the Context

Tribal women’s situation is deteriorating due to increasing urbanization and privatizationleading to disappearance of forest resources. Increase in patriarchy is being witnessed in theform of increasing domestic violence and violence against women in tribal community. Thespaces for women is reducing especially their control over resources such as agricultural land,common ponds and forests and others like house, cattle etc. This has resulted and increased

unsafe / uninformed migration among young tribal girls leading to trafficking. The deteriorationof gender equity / communitarian values based tribal culture and customary practices, has leadto lack of social security for tribal women.

Patriarchal values seem to be creeping into the changing tribal socio-economic life. They are become more evident in the recent days. Domestic violence has increased within tribalsociety. This is more in tribal villages which are near to mining sites, than in forested villages.

The cash economy has influences on their lives. This is because alcohol is sold in the local haatof the area. The new economy and the thirst to experience with the new ways of lives have ledmany tribal girls on unsafe grounds.

Globalisation has shown its ugly face in relation to all subaltern communities and thesame story is with the tribal community. The poor have become poorer and the state has noconcern for welfare or human rights for all. Community control over resources has decreasedand the capitalists have gained. While on one hand, globalisation has brought women in the

midst of market economy to take responsibilities in higher corporate posts; on the other it hasmarginalised the women engaged in the agricultural-forestry sector. The atrocities on thesemarginalised women have increased and they face exploitation – sexually and in work situations.



SSSSSo instead of isolating women in stro instead of isolating women in stro instead of isolating women in stro instead of isolating women in stro instead of isolating women in struggles for individual rights or pitting womenuggles for individual rights or pitting womenuggles for individual rights or pitting womenuggles for individual rights or pitting womenuggles for individual rights or pitting women’’’’’sssssgrgrgrgrgroups against men, something moroups against men, something moroups against men, something moroups against men, something moroups against men, something more subtle is re subtle is re subtle is re subtle is re subtle is requirequirequirequirequired.ed.ed.ed.ed. V V V V V alidating and impralidating and impralidating and impralidating and impralidating and improooooving theving theving theving theving thetraditional mode of production (jhum agriculture) which is the back bone of foodtraditional mode of production (jhum agriculture) which is the back bone of foodtraditional mode of production (jhum agriculture) which is the back bone of foodtraditional mode of production (jhum agriculture) which is the back bone of foodtraditional mode of production (jhum agriculture) which is the back bone of food

secureity and self reliance, is highly necessary as it enhances soil and forest, recognizessecureity and self reliance, is highly necessary as it enhances soil and forest, recognizessecureity and self reliance, is highly necessary as it enhances soil and forest, recognizessecureity and self reliance, is highly necessary as it enhances soil and forest, recognizessecureity and self reliance, is highly necessary as it enhances soil and forest, recognizes women women women women women’’’’’s labour and knos labour and knos labour and knos labour and knos labour and kno wledge systems and giv wledge systems and giv wledge systems and giv wledge systems and giv wledge systems and giv es women a v es women a v es women a v es women a v es women a v oice in the decision makingoice in the decision makingoice in the decision makingoice in the decision makingoice in the decision makingabout development.about development.about development.about development.about development.

W W W W W omen aromen aromen aromen aromen are less likely to go for commere less likely to go for commere less likely to go for commere less likely to go for commere less likely to go for commercialisation of agriculturcialisation of agriculturcialisation of agriculturcialisation of agriculturcialisation of agriculture and are and are and are and are and are more more more more moreeeeeinterested in food security and bio diversity and protection of seeds and medicinalinterested in food security and bio diversity and protection of seeds and medicinalinterested in food security and bio diversity and protection of seeds and medicinalinterested in food security and bio diversity and protection of seeds and medicinalinterested in food security and bio diversity and protection of seeds and medicinalplants, while menplants, while menplants, while menplants, while menplants, while men’’’’’s hunting mentality has frs hunting mentality has frs hunting mentality has frs hunting mentality has frs hunting mentality has frequently turned prequently turned prequently turned prequently turned prequently turned predatoredatoredatoredatoredatory and thus linkedy and thus linkedy and thus linkedy and thus linkedy and thus linkedup morup morup morup morup more easily with a pre easily with a pre easily with a pre easily with a pre easily with a predatoredatoredatoredatoredatory capitalist appry capitalist appry capitalist appry capitalist appry capitalist approach. Soach. Soach. Soach. Soach. So womeno womeno womeno womeno women’’’’’s contribution is crs contribution is crs contribution is crs contribution is crs contribution is crucialucialucialucialucialfor self rfor self rfor self rfor self rfor self reliance and sustainability eliance and sustainability eliance and sustainability eliance and sustainability eliance and sustainability .....



Concept Note for Working on Tribal Women’s

Resource Rights AgendaTribal women have excellent knowledge and skills in conserving, managing andusing the natural resources for a sustainable living. The work amongst the tribalcommunity needs to be informed with women’s rights perspective with emphasis ontheir collective (and later individual) rights to land, forests and resources.

Problem Statement Tribal women situation is deteriorating due to increasing urbanization and privatization

leading to disappearance of forest resources. Increase in patriarchy witnessed in the form of increasing domestic violence and violence

against women in tribal community Reducing spaces for women specially their control over resources such as agricultural

land, common ponds and forests and others like house, cattle etc. Unsafe / uninformed migration is increasing among young tribal girls leading to

trafficking. Deterioration of gender equity / communitarian values based tribal culture and

customary practices leading to lack of social security for tribal women.

Objectives: To facilitate processes to claim and reclaim tribal women’s access, control and ownershipover land based livelihood resources.T ib l ’ l d d i h d h i h / d



Working towards a gender-equity analysis andprocess of transformation to assert Tribal

Women’S Land and Resource Rights inJharkhand

Taking Sides

On the question of Tribal Women’s Land and Resource Rights certain amount of collectivity has started emerging in the state of Jharkhand in India. There are two positionson this taken by different tribal groups.

One Collective is of the opinion that there is very little land that is left with thetribals due to vast displacement by mining projects and other land alienation processes,hence the collective effort of the whole of tribal community should be to fight against

these unjust development policies of the state and multinational forces. Such a struggle will itself be beneficial to the tribal women who have been in the forefront of suchstruggle.

The other Collective of women’s organization has started calling for codification &review of the customary rights of the tribals which prevent the tribal girls of owningproperty, now that the customary safeguards of traditional leaderships have become

ineffective and the tribal men are migrating to large cities leaving behind women to look after their households. When women have rights (usufruct & ownership) upon landthen they will be more secure And that there will be less land alienation



Developing a Campaign

Tribal women land based resource rights has been identified as a major priority issue for

tribal women’s empowerment. But few groups have taken it forward. There are groups working on the issue of land but lack the women’s rights perspective. Given the very nature of the issues there is a tremendous need to build an understanding among the tribal women andmen. This is also important as there is also a fear in the minds of several tribal groups thatdemand for property rights for tribal women, might result in domestic violence, may result inmore tribal land alienation, etc. Thus strategies and solutions have to be evolved to negate

these barriers to women’s empowerment. These strategies will be those articulated by tribal women themselves.

Tribal women and land/resource rights is yet to become a subject of major debateand action. There is a need to evolve and create that critical mass for collective action. There

will be a process of identifying groups (groups who are working on the issue of women andland rights which are very few, groups who are working on the issue of land but lack the

women’s rights perspective and also groups who are not working but if influenced could takeup the issue) and creating the critical mass. This unity as a Campaign Forum will help inbuilding awareness and mobilising tribal community women, initiate dialogue with the policy makers at the respective district and state level and act as a pressure group.

GoalTo establish gender equity amongst the tribal community in terms of control / ownership

rights over land resources.

Objectives:T f ili l i d l i ib l ’ l d hi



policy makers, and the experts in from across different states to deliberate and build largeralliances and solidarities.

• Educate public through posters / flyers / booklets / multimedia presentations on tribal

women’s land resource rights so that the plight of tribal widow and single woman becomesan agenda. This will lead to further policy development for the range of women, irrespectiveof marital status. Sensitisation of the media and coverage in print and electronic media

will help in this public education process.• Strengthen unity as a Forum working on tribal women’s land resource rights agenda and

building an alliance of the different groups at the local level, state and regional level.• Efforts should be placed to have the leadership for the program in the hands of tribal

women, as this program focuses on their justice issues. The processes hence need to focuson developing the potential / capacities of tribal women to take on leadership on theissue.

• Study on the issue is required on various themes such as what is the relationship betweentribal land alienation and intercultural marriage, gender dimensions of displacement andother forms of land alienation, deterioration of customary social security measures within

tribal community, interpretation of gender justice issues amongst tribal community, kindsof violations and success stories, linkages between resource rights and migration, landresource rights issues of tribal women migrating to urban areas, etc. For this separateproposals may be developed.

• The success on the issue is witnessed in the form of few women taking up land andasserting their cultivation rights as daughters / widow. These are not highlighted in themedia and larger audience, due to the fear of backlash. Hence success needs to bedocumented for our learning.

• The issue being a very sensitive one, care will be placed to keep an appropriate pace, andnot being too fast The pace should be such so that process of introspection analysis



initiatives to certain selected sample areas where we can monitor the activitiesinitiatives to certain selected sample areas where we can monitor the activitiesinitiatives to certain selected sample areas where we can monitor the activitiesinitiatives to certain selected sample areas where we can monitor the activitiesinitiatives to certain selected sample areas where we can monitor the activitiesand the results, in terms of responses received, analysis of the community onand the results, in terms of responses received, analysis of the community onand the results, in terms of responses received, analysis of the community onand the results, in terms of responses received, analysis of the community onand the results, in terms of responses received, analysis of the community onthe roots of the problem, gender analysis of the tribal community with relationthe roots of the problem, gender analysis of the tribal community with relationthe roots of the problem, gender analysis of the tribal community with relationthe roots of the problem, gender analysis of the tribal community with relationthe roots of the problem, gender analysis of the tribal community with relation

to growing violation against women, and the building up of dialogue on theto growing violation against women, and the building up of dialogue on theto growing violation against women, and the building up of dialogue on theto growing violation against women, and the building up of dialogue on theto growing violation against women, and the building up of dialogue on theissue amongst community and local leaders.issue amongst community and local leaders.issue amongst community and local leaders.issue amongst community and local leaders.issue amongst community and local leaders.

••••• This small community advocacy approach will help in building upThis small community advocacy approach will help in building upThis small community advocacy approach will help in building upThis small community advocacy approach will help in building upThis small community advocacy approach will help in building upthe strategy for Pthe strategy for Pthe strategy for Pthe strategy for Pthe strategy for Policy A olicy A olicy A olicy A olicy A dv dv dv dv dv ocacy ocacy ocacy ocacy ocacy ..... The major hunch on the issue is frThe major hunch on the issue is frThe major hunch on the issue is frThe major hunch on the issue is frThe major hunch on the issue is from amongstom amongstom amongstom amongstom amongstthe leaders and not the community as such.the leaders and not the community as such.the leaders and not the community as such.the leaders and not the community as such.the leaders and not the community as such. The panchayat worThe panchayat worThe panchayat worThe panchayat worThe panchayat work will giv k will giv k will giv k will giv k will giv eeeeevoice to the community men and women, which can be placed before thevoice to the community men and women, which can be placed before thevoice to the community men and women, which can be placed before thevoice to the community men and women, which can be placed before thevoice to the community men and women, which can be placed before the

leaders and the tribal community at large.leaders and the tribal community at large.leaders and the tribal community at large.leaders and the tribal community at large.leaders and the tribal community at large.••••• As a law of eminent domain, land belong to the state but on the issue As a law of eminent domain, land belong to the state but on the issue As a law of eminent domain, land belong to the state but on the issue As a law of eminent domain, land belong to the state but on the issue As a law of eminent domain, land belong to the state but on the issue

of tribal womenof tribal womenof tribal womenof tribal womenof tribal women’’’’’s land issue state has always been shos land issue state has always been shos land issue state has always been shos land issue state has always been shos land issue state has always been sho wing its r wing its r wing its r wing its r wing its reluctance toeluctance toeluctance toeluctance toeluctance tointerinterinterinterinterv v v v v ene.ene.ene.ene.ene. The campaign should hav The campaign should hav The campaign should hav The campaign should hav The campaign should hav e clear strategy for mass mobilsation ande clear strategy for mass mobilsation ande clear strategy for mass mobilsation ande clear strategy for mass mobilsation ande clear strategy for mass mobilsation andintervention resulting otherwise it will end up with beautiful reports of intervention resulting otherwise it will end up with beautiful reports of intervention resulting otherwise it will end up with beautiful reports of intervention resulting otherwise it will end up with beautiful reports of intervention resulting otherwise it will end up with beautiful reports of workshops and seminars. workshops and seminars. workshops and seminars. workshops and seminars. workshops and seminars.

••••• Intervention strategy for different ministries is required – agriculture,Intervention strategy for different ministries is required – agriculture,Intervention strategy for different ministries is required – agriculture,Intervention strategy for different ministries is required – agriculture,Intervention strategy for different ministries is required – agriculture,land revenue and law reform. While land revenue are updating andland revenue and law reform. While land revenue are updating andland revenue and law reform. While land revenue are updating andland revenue and law reform. While land revenue are updating andland revenue and law reform. While land revenue are updating andcomputerizing their records, where women names can be advocated forcomputerizing their records, where women names can be advocated forcomputerizing their records, where women names can be advocated forcomputerizing their records, where women names can be advocated forcomputerizing their records, where women names can be advocated forinclusion; the agriculture deptt /policies can be pushed to evolve moreinclusion; the agriculture deptt /policies can be pushed to evolve moreinclusion; the agriculture deptt /policies can be pushed to evolve moreinclusion; the agriculture deptt /policies can be pushed to evolve moreinclusion; the agriculture deptt /policies can be pushed to evolve moreprograms for the women farmers.programs for the women farmers.programs for the women farmers.programs for the women farmers.programs for the women farmers.

••••• The issue could be taken to the apex court if we have adequate caseThe issue could be taken to the apex court if we have adequate caseThe issue could be taken to the apex court if we have adequate caseThe issue could be taken to the apex court if we have adequate caseThe issue could be taken to the apex court if we have adequate casestudies on plight of the tribal women in want of their right over the land.studies on plight of the tribal women in want of their right over the land.studies on plight of the tribal women in want of their right over the land.studies on plight of the tribal women in want of their right over the land.studies on plight of the tribal women in want of their right over the land.This has been expressed by many (Supreme Court Advocate Sona Khan inThis has been expressed by many (Supreme Court Advocate Sona Khan inThis has been expressed by many (Supreme Court Advocate Sona Khan inThis has been expressed by many (Supreme Court Advocate Sona Khan inThis has been expressed by many (Supreme Court Advocate Sona Khan in



Alliance Building and Sharing

Google Groups: Gender, Livelihoods and Resources Forum(GLRF) -Tribal

Date Aug 29, 2007Subject Google Groups: You’ve been invited to Gender, Livelihoods andResources Forum (GLRF) -Tribal

Dear Friends,Johar !

Welcome to the new world of discussions and sharings focused on gender issuesamongst tribal community. [email protected] This is an attempt to ‘broadenour collective as thinkers and actors’ on the issue, so that we can all learn from eachother and strengthen the issue further.

While GLRF attempts to link land & resource rights for tribal women as thecentral point of all gender inequity making its entry in the tribal community, it has notforgotten patriarchy can take various shapes and forms – from globalisation ‘thrusted’to feminisation of poverty to violence against women in the name of customs. Reforms,actions and struggles are required at various levels depending on the stakeholders weare dealing with.

There are hundreds of attempts being tried to create a better world for tribal

women - from the tribal identity protection perspective, from women’s right perspective,from the perspective of community control over natural resources, from labour rightsperspective in this globalised economy and ... But still there is a common dream – to



About GLRF - Gender, Livelihoods andResources Forum

(Present Focus of Intervention – Tribal Women)

The GThe GThe GThe GThe Genderenderenderenderender, Liv , Liv , Liv , Liv , Liv elihoods And R elihoods And R elihoods And R elihoods And R elihoods And R esouresouresouresouresources Fces Fces Fces Fces Forororororum (GLRF) is a rum (GLRF) is a rum (GLRF) is a rum (GLRF) is a rum (GLRF) is a regionalegionalegionalegionalegionalforum of local, state and national NGOs and Networks, lobbying andforum of local, state and national NGOs and Networks, lobbying andforum of local, state and national NGOs and Networks, lobbying andforum of local, state and national NGOs and Networks, lobbying andforum of local, state and national NGOs and Networks, lobbying andadvocating for policies, law reform, programs and administrative mechanismsadvocating for policies, law reform, programs and administrative mechanismsadvocating for policies, law reform, programs and administrative mechanismsadvocating for policies, law reform, programs and administrative mechanismsadvocating for policies, law reform, programs and administrative mechanismsto incrto incrto incrto incrto increase rease rease rease rease resouresouresouresouresource base including land for the poorce base including land for the poorce base including land for the poorce base including land for the poorce base including land for the poor, disadv , disadv , disadv , disadv , disadv antaged andantaged andantaged andantaged andantaged and

vulnerable women. GLRF was set up in October 2005 in Jharkhand as anvulnerable women. GLRF was set up in October 2005 in Jharkhand as anvulnerable women. GLRF was set up in October 2005 in Jharkhand as anvulnerable women. GLRF was set up in October 2005 in Jharkhand as anvulnerable women. GLRF was set up in October 2005 in Jharkhand as aninformal non-governmental, independent non-registered forum to impact theinformal non-governmental, independent non-registered forum to impact theinformal non-governmental, independent non-registered forum to impact theinformal non-governmental, independent non-registered forum to impact theinformal non-governmental, independent non-registered forum to impact theprprprprprocesses at the state / rocesses at the state / rocesses at the state / rocesses at the state / rocesses at the state / regional and national lev egional and national lev egional and national lev egional and national lev egional and national lev el onel onel onel onel on W W W W W omenomenomenomenomen’’’’’s Land ands Land ands Land ands Land ands Land andResource Rights initiated by various forums.Resource Rights initiated by various forums.Resource Rights initiated by various forums.Resource Rights initiated by various forums.Resource Rights initiated by various forums.

IssuesThe following issues will be dealt with a gender equity perspective in different

community backgrounds of caste, tribe and religion.• Rights over natural resources (land, forest, water)• Rights over property (housing, agricultural)• Right to credit, training and employment

• Rights to services (education, health, anti-poverty)• Right to new economic spaces (rural, urban)



•Engaging activists to document experiences / position papers.•Information dissemination

2. Protection and Promotion of Women’s Land and Resource Rights

•Research on areas of reform on Land Law and Policy •Pilots on Women’s Resource Rights Agenda : with partners of GLRF•Women groups owned Information centres for information on land, resources

and legal and programmatic intervention3. Lobby and Advocacy

•Women’s Land and Resource Rights and Co-ownership of Family Land

•Issues for inclusion in the National and State Policy •Monitoring the implementation of laws and policies through public hearings

and workshops.4. Networking and Collaboration

•Enhance members capacity by learning through experience sharing•Information flow between and among members

•Concerted strategic plans in making land, resources and livelihood issues visibleand accessible to community women.

•Lobbying and advocating for women’s resource rights.•Networking with groups active and interested in the issue

Activities (Focussed on Tribal Women)

••••• Initiation of the Forum in Ranchi – 6th September 2005.Initiation of the Forum in Ranchi – 6th September 2005.Initiation of the Forum in Ranchi – 6th September 2005.Initiation of the Forum in Ranchi – 6th September 2005.Initiation of the Forum in Ranchi – 6th September 2005.••••• SSSSSanthal Panthal Panthal Panthal Panthal Pargana lev argana lev argana lev argana lev argana lev el worel worel worel worel workshop onkshop onkshop onkshop onkshop on TTTTTribalribalribalribalribal W W W W W omen Land Rights andomen Land Rights andomen Land Rights andomen Land Rights andomen Land Rights andMMMMMi ti /i ti /i r ti n /i r ti n /i ti / TTTTT ffi ki i Sffi ki i Sr ffi kin in Sr ffi kin in Sffi ki i S h b j (h b j (h b nj (h b nj (h b j (JhJhJh rJh rJh kh d) 29 30th Okh d) 29 30th Okh nd) 29 30th Okh nd) 29 30th Okh d) 29 30th O t b 2005t b 2005t b r 2005t b r 2005t b 2005



Rose Kerketta and Sister Pillar with the young GLRFRose Kerketta and Sister Pillar with the young GLRFRose Kerketta and Sister Pillar with the young GLRFRose Kerketta and Sister Pillar with the young GLRFRose Kerketta and Sister Pillar with the young GLRFTTTTTeam, helping in social analysis, sharing lifeeam, helping in social analysis, sharing lifeeam, helping in social analysis, sharing lifeeam, helping in social analysis, sharing lifeeam, helping in social analysis, sharing life

experience and inspiring all to take the movementexperience and inspiring all to take the movementexperience and inspiring all to take the movementexperience and inspiring all to take the movementexperience and inspiring all to take the movementahead with a prahead with a prahead with a prahead with a prahead with a process of dialogue in the community ocess of dialogue in the community ocess of dialogue in the community ocess of dialogue in the community ocess of dialogue in the community .....



GGGGGender R ender R ender R ender R ender R elations inelations inelations inelations inelations in TTTTTribalribalribalribalribal

Society has always beenSociety has always beenSociety has always beenSociety has always beenSociety has always beeninspired by the way meninspired by the way meninspired by the way meninspired by the way meninspired by the way men

and women dance togetherand women dance togetherand women dance togetherand women dance togetherand women dance together.....But why is it that only menBut why is it that only menBut why is it that only menBut why is it that only menBut why is it that only men

play the drums ?play the drums ?play the drums ?play the drums ?play the drums ?

Culture is intricately linkedCulture is intricately linkedCulture is intricately linkedCulture is intricately linkedCulture is intricately linked with gender relations and with gender relations and with gender relations and with gender relations and with gender relations and wor wor wor wor working on Pking on Pking on Pking on Pking on Patriaratriaratriaratriaratriarchy chy chy chy chy

means hitting a change inmeans hitting a change inmeans hitting a change inmeans hitting a change inmeans hitting a change inthe way these culturalthe way these culturalthe way these culturalthe way these culturalthe way these cultural

constructs of patriarchy areconstructs of patriarchy areconstructs of patriarchy areconstructs of patriarchy areconstructs of patriarchy are

established and at a certainestablished and at a certainestablished and at a certainestablished and at a certainestablished and at a certainstage of time gettingstage of time gettingstage of time gettingstage of time gettingstage of time getting

stagstagstagstagstagnant and fundamentalistnant and fundamentalistnant and fundamentalistnant and fundamentalistnant and fundamentalistin favour of men.in favour of men.in favour of men.in favour of men.in favour of men.



Tribal Women’s Land Resource Rights Campaign

GLRF has initiated its work in association with CWLR (Consult for Women and Land

Rights) and now leads the work on Tribal theme, within CWLR. For seeking more informationabout campaign work on Tribal Women’s Land and Resource Rights, look into www.cwlr.netor contact the undergiven.

CWLR: • Ms Jarjum Ete - [email protected]• Ms GabrieleDietrich - [email protected]• Ms Shivani Bhardwaj - [email protected]• Ms Seema Khot - [email protected]

GLRF:

• Ms Vandana Tete - [email protected]• Ms Priyasheela Besra - [email protected]• Mr Praveer Peter - [email protected]• Ms Munni Hembrom - 09334711237• Ms Anna Soren - 09955104230

Our Friends:• Ms Sweta Kujur - [email protected]• Dr Rose Kerketta - 0651-2541681, 09430764832

CCC iC iC ffM f jM f jM f



State and State and State and State and State and Regional Level Regional Level Regional Level Regional Level Regional Level Conventions Conventions Conventions Conventions Conventions help to build ahelp to build ahelp to build ahelp to build ahelp to build a

larger pressure larger pressure larger pressure larger pressure larger pressure group in the group in the group in the group in the group in the State and helpState and helpState and helpState and helpState and helpin media / in media / in media / in media / in media /

policy makers policy makers policy makers policy makers policy makers sensitisation.sensitisation.sensitisation.sensitisation.sensitisation.

Community Community Community Community Community level capacity level capacity level capacity level capacity level capacity building building building building building workshops helpworkshops helpworkshops helpworkshops helpworkshops helpin collating in collating in collating in collating in collating the community the community the community the community the community voices.voices.voices.voices.voices.

Making Making Making Making Making

friends is a friends is a friends is a friends is a friends is a part of alliance part of alliance part of alliance part of alliance part of alliance building -building -building -building -building -with more with more with more with more with more supporters supporters supporters supporters supporters with varied with varied with varied with varied with varied skills -skills -skills -skills -skills -writing,writing,writing,writing,writing,theatre,theatre,theatre,theatre,theatre,multimedia,multimedia,multimedia,multimedia,multimedia,networking,networking,networking,networking,networking,moral support.moral support.moral support.moral support.moral support.

Moments of joy Moments of joy Moments of joy Moments of joy Moments of joy are essential inare essential inare essential inare essential inare essential inany movement any movement any movement any movement any movement

to survive.to survive.to survive.to survive.to survive.This daily joy This daily joy This daily joy This daily joy This daily joy

and sorrows and sorrows and sorrows and sorrows and sorrows require to be require to be require to be require to be require to be

documented.documented.documented.documented.documented.

Learning toLearning toLearning toLearning toLearning tocommunicate communicate communicate communicate communicate

our agenda inour agenda inour agenda inour agenda inour agenda innewer forms newer forms newer forms newer forms newer forms

and forums and forums and forums and forums and forums needs needs needs needs needs

practising. practising. practising. practising. practising.Cross cultural Cross cultural Cross cultural Cross cultural Cross cultural contexts helpcontexts helpcontexts helpcontexts helpcontexts help

in this process.in this process.in this process.in this process.in this process.

T T T T T ogether ogether ogether ogether ogether ness ness ness ness ness

in the in the in the in the in the movement movement movement movement movement gives us the gives us the gives us the gives us the gives us the

vital strengthvital strengthvital strengthvital strengthvital strengthto go on, withto go on, withto go on, withto go on, withto go on, with

greater greater greater greater greater determinationdeterminationdeterminationdeterminationdetermination

and varied and varied and varied and varied and varied strategies.strategies.strategies.strategies.strategies.

Documents

Establishing WRRA in Tribal Community