HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 12: Aaranyak in collaboration with the Women Collective of Kohora River Basin and Diring River Basin of Assam organised an event aimed at recognising women’s contributions to conservation, natural resource management (NRM), and sustainable development while also addressing the challenges they face, said an official statement here on Wednesday.
The event was organised as part of Women’s Day celebration at the Community Resource Centre, Chandrasing Rongpi, Kohora of Kaziranga and was attended by ninety women, the statement said.
Related Posts:
The celebration began with an ethnic snacks and embroidery competition, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Winners were felicitated for their skill and creativity, reinforcing the importance of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
A welcome dance by women from Diring River Basin added to the vibrancy of the occasion.
The event featured insightful speeches under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equity.” Speakers emphasised on the contribution of women to environmental conservation, the need for climate-resilient development, and how Karbi cultural beliefs promote harmony with nature—such as the traditional practice of protecting fruit-bearing trees.
A discussion on women’s collectives provided an open platform to address the everyday struggles women face, from underrepresentation in leadership to gender barriers in conservation.
Prominent speakers, including Maggie Katharpi, Assistant Professor at Diphu Government College, and Mina Tokbipi, a local entrepreneur, shared their perspectives on women’s leadership in conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Their stories inspired participants to explore new opportunities in entrepreneurship, conservation, and STEM fields.
The event served as a call to action, urging women to take charge of their education, uplift one another, and actively participate in decision-making processes.
By empowering women in conservation and entrepreneurship, initiatives like these foster long-term benefits for the people and the environment of Karbi Anglong, ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The celebration concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, a group photo, and a communal lunch, marking a day of learning, sharing, and collective empowerment.
“Aaranyak is committed towards conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem and supporting the indigenous communities residing in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape and Manas Landscape through promotion of Alternative and Sustainable Livelihoods activities, education and awareness . The initiative is supported by IUCN – KfW and US Fish and Wildlife Service”, said Aaranyak through a press statement.
