Recognition of the Land Rights of Adivasi Women in India

Contetnt:

This chapter is devoted to understanding land rights for Adivasi women within the Indian legal framework. The situation we examine is a complex and layered landscape created by the unique position of Adivasi women owing to their tribal identity, characterised by legal pluralism, and the underpinning patriarchy in the society. Drawing from the experience of a network of seven member organisations working in Gujarat state in India, we examine the motivations enabling Adivasi women to assert and recognise their rights over land. Any attempt to recognise such land rights is met by a stiff combination of legal, socio-cultural and institutional challenges. This too shall be analysed based on the collective understanding of the network. Finally, we examine the communication, mobilisation and advocacy strategies employed by the network in ensuring the recognition of claims of land rights of the Adivasi women.