Impact Of Forest Legislation On Gender Roles In Indigenous Forest-Based Employment In West Bengal
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Shayani Chakraborty, Department of Law, University of Calcutta, Hazra Campus, 51/1, Hazra Road, Kolkata-700019, West Bengal, India
Adamas University, Adamas Knowledge City, Barasat – Barrackpore Road, Jagannathpur, 24 Parganas (North), Kolkata – 700126, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
The study had examined the impact of forest legislation on gender roles in indigenous forest-based employment in West Bengal, with particular emphasis on women’s traditional roles in non-timber forest product (NTFP) gathering and their employment rights. The research had been conducted in selected forest-fringe villages inhabited by indigenous communities, including the Santhal, Munda, and Lodha groups. A mixed-method approach had been adopted, incorporating household surveys, focus group discussions, and case studies to assess changes in access, control, and participation following the implementation of major forest laws such as the Indian Forest Act (1927), the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006). The findings had revealed that forest legislation had restructured traditional gender-based divisions of labour. Although the Forest Rights Act (2006) had expanded formal recognition of community and individual rights, the benefits had not been equitably accessed by women due to bureaucratic barriers, limited awareness, and persistent patriarchal norms. Case studies had demonstrated partial empowerment through self-help groups and Joint Forest Management committees; however, decision-making authority had remained male-dominated. The study had concluded that gender-sensitive policy implementation and institutional reforms had been essential for ensuring equitable forest-based employment and sustainable livelihood security among indigenous women in West Bengal.
Keywords: Forest legislation, Indigenous women, Non-timber forest products, Gender roles, Forest Rights Act, Joint Forest Management, West Bengal
