A STUDY ON ROLE OF WOMEN IN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN UTTARKASHI AND BAGESHWAR DISTRICT OF UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

In Uttarakhand mountain areas, the trend of men migrating to cities for job or their shifting to local salaried employment has created such space for women. Addressing gender and NRM together acknowledges the ecological imbalance and seeks to ensure that the contributions of both men and women are recognized to manage natural resources effectively and sustainably. Uttarakhand has been selected as the universe of the study. Out of 13 districts two districts namely Uttarkashi and Bageshwar were selected purposively as the locale for the proposed study. Data revealed that women played dominant role in the activities of nursery, organic manure, mulching and tree planting. These activities generally performed by women. Those activities which require physical strength, staying outdoors for long hours, traveling outdoors and negotiating with male members were performed by men. 69.66 per cent respondents reported reservation policy was the most effective measure to increase women participation in decision making.