Leadership and Participation of Women in Local Governance

Seba Jagat is committed to strengthening grassroots governance structures and the protection of local biodiversity, with a strong focus on womens leadership and gender inclusion. Our work actively supports Gram Sabhas, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), and Biodiversity Management Committees to function as inclusive, transparent, and community-led institutions. Seba Jagat provides targeted training and capacity-building for Gram Sabha members—particularly women, single women, tribal women, and other marginalized genders—to ensure their full and equal participation in discussions and decisions. Trainings are also organized to educate entire communities about their rights under the FRA and the importance of conserving biodiversity, with content and facilitation that are inclusive and accessible to women and girls. We conduct gender-sensitive workshops to build knowledge around the development of inclusive community forest management plans. Seba Jagat actively promotes the inclusion of women in local governance structures such as Gram Panchayats, Forest Rights Committees, and Biodiversity Management Committees. We believe that when women are included in decision-making, it leads to more equitable, sustainable, and community-driven outcomes Seba Jagat prioritizes the traditional ecological knowledge held by women and ensures their representation in local biodiversity planning and conservation.