Women at the Margins: Exploring Economic Challenges Faced by Karbi Women in Arunachal Pradesh

Tribal women are facing multifaceted economic challenges that impede their empowerment and overall well-being. Societal progress is incomplete without full and equal participation of women, as their exclusion leads to underutilization of community’s potential, hindering innovation, diversity and overall productivity. Identifying and addressing the economic barriers faced by women in rural areas or indigenous inhabitants is crucial in achieving sustainable growth while also promoting gender equality. This study seeks to identify and highlight key economic challenges faced by the Karbi (formerly known as Mikir) women in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in the northeastern region of India. The study employs qualitative methods to examine the economic situation of the Karbi women, focusing on their occupational pattern, scope for earning opportunities and access to formal financial services. The changing livelihood strategies adopted by the women due to shifting socio-political scenario has also been examined. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions for economic empowerment of the tribal women such as providing skills training, encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship, improving access to education and strengthening support from financial institutions. The study contributes to larger discourse on gender equality and economic upliftment of marginalized tribal women.