Karbi women lead discussions on conservation, entrepreneurship, and social change

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 11, 2025

Karbi women took centre stage in discussions on nature conservation, entrepreneurship, and social empowerment during an International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 event in Diphu, Karbi Anglong.

Organized by biodiversity conservation group Aaranyak in collaboration with the Centre for Karbi Studies (CKS) and Holistic Life Transforming & Empowering Society (HLTEC), the event featured a panel discussion at Yellow Tree Café, drawing 55 participants from diverse backgrounds.

The discussions focused on the role of women in biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the challenges they face in modern society.

Dr Bandita Teronpi, Assistant Professor at Lumding College, highlighted how Karbi women have traditionally acted as guardians of nature, emphasizing their deep-rooted role in biodiversity conservation.

Serlin Beypi, Forest Range Officer of Bokajan Range, spoke on balancing tradition with sustainability, stressing the importance of women’s involvement in forest conservation, resource management, and climate change mitigation.

Entrepreneurs Charisma Rongpipi, founder of Yellow Tree Café and Happy Farmers, and Serleen Engti Katharpi, founder of the Karbi traditional clothing brand Choi, underscored the role of women-led businesses in driving sustainable development. Rongpipi emphasized the power of women in economic transformation, urging support for local enterprises. Katharpi pointed out the hurdles women face in business and called for greater encouragement from both men and women.

Jirleen Rongpipi, a community leader and Centre Administrator at Sakhi – One Stop Centre, highlighted the limited legal access for women in Karbi Anglong and raised concerns over early marriage, which remains a significant challenge for young girls.

The discussions were moderated by Sabin Rongpipi from the Centre for Karbi Studies, fostering an interactive exchange of ideas. Representatives from Aaranyak, including Dr. Firoz Ahmed and Jayanta Kumar Sarma, shared insights on conservation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship opportunities in the region.

Aaranyak’s Natural Resource Management Programme, with support from IUCN-KfW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, continues to champion biodiversity conservation and community-based sustainable livelihoods across Northeast India.