In a remote tribal area in India’s eastern state of Chhattisgarh, 60-year-old Somari Bai is working in a paddy field, shielding herself from the scorching sun with a sari pallu over her head. Years of experience are visible in their hands as they harvest the crops quickly. This crop has become their lifeline. Recalling her life journey, Somari Bai says, “My life has been very difficult. It is only hard work that has kept my family alive.” It took a painful turn when she lost her husband and in-laws within a year. After this, the entire responsibility of his two younger sons fell on his shoulders. He did not even have any land for farming. In such a situation, Somari Bai started earning her living by collecting Mahua flowers, tendu leaves and wild fruits from the forest and selling them in the local market. But the income was so low that it was difficult to educate the children or even feed them properly. She recalls, “My income was so low that neither my children could be educated nor I could feed myself.” Support received from UNDPSomari Bai Land ownership is a big challenge for tribal women like Due to lack of land to cultivate, many women are deprived of secure livelihood. But, the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in India recognizing the contribution of tribal communities to the forest ecosystem has brought new hopes. The Forest Rights Act (FRA), which emphasizes gender equality and joint land ownership, has proven transformative across India, especially for tribal women. The law provides women with not only land ownership, but also opportunities for security, dignity and leadership. Under the implementation of the Forest Rights Act with UNDP support, more than 22 lakh forest rights leases have been granted, helping communities like Somari. Countless families of women have got help. Somari was granted ownership rights of 2.5 acres of forest land under the Forest Rights Act. This was an important turning point in his life. For the first time, Somari got a solid foundation on which to build his life. “When I got my land, I decided to do something different,” she says proudly. Somari, through his own efforts, dug a borewell and started cultivating paddy and vegetables. She started selling the produce of these crops in the government markets. This step changed her life. Her annual income increased from Rs 25 thousand to Rs 1 lakh 20 thousand. With this new stability, she was able to provide better facilities to her family and secure the future of her sons. Somari Bai says, ” My land gave me the courage to dream. Whatever I have today, this land is the basis.” When women have access, Somari’s ordeal is proof of the fact that when women have access, There is so much she can’t do if she has access and resources. With land rights, she not only ensured her livelihood, but also became a role model for her community. Her success inspired other women to obtain land ownership under the Forest Rights Act and adopt sustainable farming practices. Somari The efforts of the Government of India have also made an important contribution in maintaining biodiversity. By adopting sustainable farming practices on their lands, they are playing an important role in responding to the challenges posed by climate change and unplanned development, which are destroying forests and traditional livelihood sources. UNDP has sought to link land rights to other development programmes. Has also provided assistance to state governments. This has provided additional support to beneficiaries like Somari Bai, which includes seeds, fertilizers and irrigation equipment. This holistic approach has helped make marginalized tribal communities active participants in their local economies. “When we own land, we have the power to change our future,” says Somari. For them, land ownership is not just a source of stable income, but a symbol of hope – for their children, for their community, and for themselves.
