By: ZILPHA A. MODI
In the predominantly tribal region of Arunachal Pradesh, women’s organizations are often heralded as symbols of social progress, development, and empowerment. However, the mere presence of women in these organizations is sometimes oversimplified as an indication of the elevated status of tribal women, obscuring the nuanced realities of their struggles. In this paper, I examine the work of two prominent women’s organizations in Arunachal Pradesh: the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) and the Nyishi Nyem Achem (NNA). I analyze their inception, goals, issues raised, and actions taken in their respective contexts. My argument revolves around the observation that while these organizations serve as platforms for tribal women to articulate their voices and engage in collective action, they often oscillate between conformity to and defiance of patriarchal norms.
