Geographical Indications: Women’s Participation As Authorized Users In Himachal Pradesh, India
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 30
- 1 min read
Mukul Rani Parajuli, Ph.D. IPR Scholar, Faculty of Legal Sciences, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Nandan Sharma, Associate Dean and Associate Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor, Faculty of Legal Sciences, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh
ORCID ID: 0009-0003-0703-6073
ABSTRACT
This paper examines women’s participation as Authorized Users (AUs) of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Himachal Pradesh, the first Indian state to adopt a dedicated GI policy in 2004. Through doctrinal and thematic analysis of GI Registry data under Parts A and B, the study reveals that out of 806 AUs registered under Himachal GIs, 608 are women and 185 are men, a remarkable statistic in the Indian GI landscape. This research, based on Naila Kabeer’s Empowerment Theory and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, the paper explores how institutional mechanism have facilitated this large- scale and gender inclusive participation. The findings support the hypothesis that Himachal Pradesh’s GI policy has significantly contributed to rural women’s economic empowerment. This case study offers broader policy implications for aligning GI regimes with inclusive developmental goals across India.
Keywords: Geographical Indication, Himachal Pradesh, Authorized users, Empowerment theory, Capability approach
