GENDER, LIVELIHOOD, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: WOMEN'S STRUGGLE IN LOKTAK LAKE

Abstract [English]

Loktak Lake is a vital wetland ecosystem that sustains thousands of local inhabitants. Women in the littorals of the lake play central roles in fishing, resource management, and household economies. However, environmental degradation, hydropower development, and restrictive conservation policies have disproportionately affected women. Multipronged challenges of development in Loktak Lake intensify women's socio-economic vulnerabilities and threaten their means of traditional livelihoods. Against this backdrop, this paper explores the intricate relationship between gender, livelihood, and environmental justice with reference to women in and around the Loktak Lake of Manipur, India. Using the theoretical framework of environmental justice, the paper examines how women face disproportionate burdens of environmental challenges and explains how they navigate these challenges through their adaptive strategies, resistance, and leadership in community-based conservation efforts. This paper reveals that women are facing multifaceted struggles like limited access to resources, underrepresentation in decision-making, and socio-cultural barriers. After confirming women's agency in mobilising collective action and advocating for equitable policies, the paper argues that recognising and strengthening women's roles is essential for achieving both gender equity and sustainable management of Loktak Lake. Policy recommendations emphasise the need for inclusive governance, gender-sensitive interventions, and support for women-led initiatives.