Reclaiming the Mother Earth: An Exploration of Women’s Role in Ecological Conservation across Cultures and Time with Special Reference to Uttarakhand

This paper examines the critical and overlooked role that women have played in ecological conservation across cultures and time, with a special focus on Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. The concept of “Mother Earth” symbolically links women’s nurturing roles with the stewardship of nature, and this relationship is particularly evident in the historical and contemporary practices of Uttarakhand. Women in this region have traditionally been central to forest management, water conservation, and agriculture, significantly influencing the environmental sustainability of their communities. Using ecofeminism as a theoretical framework, the paper explores the intersection of gender, ecology, and culture, particularly focusing on how women have been both the guardians and victims of environmental degradation. Through an analysis of local traditions, historical case studies such as the Chipko Movement, and contemporary examples, this research highlights the ongoing contributions of women to environmental protection in Uttarakhand. By reclaiming the Earth Mother, women continue to be at the forefront of ecological preservation in the face of increasing threats like deforestation, climate change, and patriarchal control over natural resources. This paper also explores the challenges women face in accessing resources and participating in decision-making processes and provides recommendations for empowering women in environmental leadership.