Women's movement for Environmental Cause: "Chipko Andolan"

The Chipko movement began in early 70's, among the people of the Uttarakhand, as an collective action to prevent the destruction of the natural habitat and thereby save the environment.The method employed by those participating in the movement to stop the felling of trees is to place themselves bodily between tree cutters and the trees-a tactic in the Gandhian tradition. This technique is known by the indigenous term chipko, meaning literally "to stick to" or "to hug," and usually translated as "hugging the trees".
The striking feature of this movement was that it had diversified support and a great social impact. It cut across social and cultural barriers that usually many politicians have attempted to exploit to fulfil their own ends. One major success factor of this forest struggle was the participation of women as they were the chief victims of the deforestation, having to travel over large distances for fuel and fodder as the trees vanished.The important factors, which led to large-scale participation of women in the areas according to my understanding are as follows:

· Because many men in hilly areas are away from their families and villages seeking employment in the plains women often remain responsible for their families and villages. These women have become accustomed to leadership in meeting the requirements for community survival.
· Even when men are present, it is the women who go to the forest to gather fuel wood or water they therefore feel most immediately and acutely the impact of the destruction of the forest. They are alert to the devastation of the environment and respond readily, knowledgeably, and confidently to the need to protect against it.
Thus I consider this movement a great accomplishment in post -Gandhian India where rural women united for a common and social cause for direct non-violent action.
Comments and other such examples are heartily welcomed.