ECONOMIC MARGINALIZATION AND ITS ROLE IN PERPETUATING VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND LEGAL REMEDIES

AUTHOR – DR. SALEEM AHMED M A, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, CRESCENT SCHOOL OF LAW, BS ABDUR RAHMAN CRESCENT INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA.

BEST CITATION – DR. SALEEM AHMED M A, ECONOMIC MARGINALIZATION AND ITS ROLE IN PERPETUATING VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND LEGAL REMEDIES, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 3 (1) OF 2024, PG. 343-351, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230

ABSTRACT

Indigenous women in India are uniquely vulnerable to violence and exploitation due to the intersection of their gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. This paper seeks to explore the complex nexus between economic marginalization and the pervasive violence they experience, highlighting the ways in which these women are both historically and systematically excluded from mainstream socio-economic structures. Indigenous communities, often living in remote areas and relying on traditional livelihoods, face heightened poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, and political representation, which exacerbate their susceptibility to violence, discrimination, and exploitation. Cultural practices, land displacement, and the erosion of indigenous rights further entrench their marginalization. The paper critically examines the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this intersectional vulnerability, including patriarchy, lack of awareness about legal rights, and insufficient law enforcement. The study also reviews the role of state policies and legal frameworks, assessing the gaps in addressing the specific needs and rights of indigenous women. It highlights challenges such as the underreporting of violence, cultural insensitivity in legal systems, and the slow pace of justice, which often prevent indigenous women from seeking redress. In proposing remedies, the paper advocates for legal reforms that ensure better protection, recognition, and empowerment of indigenous women through both national and international frameworks. It stresses the need for culturally sensitive policies, legal awareness campaigns, and increased participation of indigenous women in decision-making processes. Ultimately, the paper aims to deepen the understanding of these systemic issues and explore pathways to justice, offering a vision for achieving equality and protection for indigenous women in India.

Keywords:Economic Marginalization, Indigenous Women, Violence against Women, Economic Inequality, Legal Remedies, Tribal Rights