Engendering Community Rights

Abstract

The paper is deeply concerned with the various alternatives for overcoming subordination of women's labour and its further vulnerability to environmental degradation. It explores the pos sibility of overcoming the inherent tension between the forces unleashed by the market economy and institutions governed by growing democratic consciousness. Thus, through detailed field documentation an alternative institution is suggested for reconciling the macro agenda of eco nomic growth, environmental regeneration and national food security with local food security and livelihood needs of the poor and marginalised, while addressing strategic gender needs. It attempts to reconcile the rigid social hierarchy with democratic polity, that is, empowering the disadvantaged sections of society through providing entitlement to productive tangible (re sources and stores) and intangible assets (control and access; and power and control over socio economic institutions that enhance their livelihood capabilities.