Published Paper Details:

The Monpa tribe, inhabiting the high-altitude regions of Tawang and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, is distinguished by a unique cultural synthesis of Mahayana Buddhism and indigenous Himalayan traditions. This paper examines the critical, yet often under-documented, role of Monpa women in the community's politico-economic landscape. Economically, Monpa women are the primary drivers of the domestic and agrarian economy. Beyond their role in high-altitude agriculture and animal husbandry, they possess exclusive mastery over traditional weaving and the production of indigenous paper and carpets-commodities that have historically been central to trans-Himalayan trade. There control over the "granary" and household assets grants them a level of fiscal agency that is distinct among Himalayan tribes. Politically, while traditional village councils (such as that tshogpa) where historically male-dominated, Monpa women have exerted significant "informal" political influence through religious institutions and community-based organization. With the introduction of the Panchayati Raj system, there has been notable transition from informal influence to formal leadership. However, their societal status was often secondary to men, with limited access to education and political participation. Through advocacy and support, NGOs have facilitated greater political participation and leadership opportunities for Monpa women, fostering and environment of gender equality and progressive change.