Dalit Feminist Voices in the Indo-Pacific: Intersections of Caste, Gender, and Regional Identity

This research explores Dalit feminist voices in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on the intersections of caste, gender, and regional identity. Dalit feminism, rooted in the experiences of India’s marginalized Dalit women, addresses the compounded oppressions of casteism, patriarchy, and socio-economic exclusion. The article examines how these voices challenge systemic inequalities in India and resonate with feminist movements across the Indo-Pacific, including Indigenous women in Australia and ethnic minority women in Southeast Asia. By analyzing historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary activism, it highlights the transformative potential of Dalit feminist narratives in reshaping gender and social justice discourses. The study employs an intersectional lens to draw parallels between Dalit women’s struggles and those of other marginalized groups, emphasizing shared experiences of systemic exclusion. It argues that Dalit feminism not only redefines feminist activism in India but also contributes to transnational solidarities in the Indo-Pacific. The article addresses how regional identities shape these struggles and explores the role of digital platforms in amplifying Dalit feminist voices. It concludes by underscoring the need for inclusive feminist frameworks that center marginalized perspectives to foster equitable change across the region. Keywords: Dalit feminism, intersectionality, caste, gender, regional identity, Indo-Pacific, marginalized voices