Navigating Marginalization: A field study on the livelihood struggles of Tribal women in Kerala

This paper examines the lived realities of tribal women in Wayanad, Kerala, against the backdrop of systemic socio-economic exclusion. Despite progressive legislation and welfare schemes intended to uplift tribal communities, the implementation often falls short at the grassroots level. Through field-based qualitative research involving 150 tribal women, this study captures the intersectional challenges faced by communities such as the Paniyas, Adiyans, and Kurichyas. It highlights critical issues such as land dispossession, declining forest access, inadequate healthcare, poor financial inclusion, and persistent gender-based vulnerabilities. Importantly, the study foregrounds women’s agency and their role in sustaining families through forest-based livelihoods, despite institutional apathy. The analysis of existing government schemes like MGNREGS and AMSY reveals significant gaps in awareness, accessibility, and impact. However, the research also presents hopeful examples of community-led resilience through self-help groups and informal cooperative networks. The paper aims to provoke a discussion around rights-based, gender-sensitive, and participatory policy reforms that can ensure more equitable development outcomes for marginalized indigenous populations.