Women have often played an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. Whether it was the revolutionary Chipko Movement in the 1970’s that saw women in huge numbers coming together to prevent deforestation in Uttarakhand, or the recent Green Brigade of women restoring the mangroves of the Sundarbans, it was all proof of what happens when women come together. Call it eco-feminism, or simply a by-product of sisterhood, it’s tough to ignore how the planet heals when women lead at the grassroots.
Through the lens of Women For The Planet, we see many stories of sisterhood, feminism, sustainability and ecological positivity. Helmed by Her Circle, this inspiring video series aims to highlight the extraordinary contributions of women toward protecting and preserving the planet. Each video in the series follows women from the grassroots, from diverse backgrounds and regions, as they attempt to drive change in unique ways. From reviving traditional crafts, championing sustainable practices to uplifting their communities, and redefining what it means to live in harmony with nature, these women effortlessly bring out positive change. With the series, the goal is to foster awareness and appreciation for women-led sustainability efforts and inspire action through relatable stories of resilience and innovation.
The Women
In the series, we see stories rooted in four themes: Revival, Regeneration, Reinvention and Rehabilitation.
The Khes Weavers of Punjab: Revival
In the quiet village of Balwaar in Punjab, a group of remarkable women is reviving a craft that was once an integral part of Punjabi households. Khes, an iconic handwoven blanket, was replaced by machine-made alternatives. Through this Women For The Planet story, we feature the story of how these women are reviving a lost tradition while simultaneously creating financial independence for themselves. Through their efforts, Khes weaving has transformed from a nostalgic memory into a sustainable livelihood that empowers dozens of rural women.
With the support of initiatives like Balwaar Rural India and The Khes Project, women who were once homemakers have taken on the role of skilled weavers, giving Khes a modern twist by fusing sustainably dyed yarns with traditional weaving techniques.
For women like Manjeet Kaur, Sukhpal Kaur and Sarabjit Kaur, weaving is a step toward self-reliance. These women share their experiences, recalling how they learned the art of weaving as young girls and how it has now become a source of pride and income.
The Farmers of Maharashtra: Regeneration
In Maharashtra’s Dabhadi village, women farmers are bringing eco-friendly agriculture to life using practices focused on soil regeneration, natural pesticides and water conservation. Among these women stands Bhawna Neelkanth Nikam, a farmer who nurtures the land and inspires women around her to do the same. When Nikam found out about the various illnesses linked to the use of chemical and artificial pesticides, she decided to make the change that transforms India’s agricultural cover from its roots. As she pivoted to organic farming techniques and natural sources of manure, she decided to involve as many women as she could.
In this chapter of the series, we also meet Ratna Devre, Mayuri Nikam and Bharti Sonavane, who have joined the organic and eco-friendly farming revolution in the village. The women’s approach is holistic as they rear livestock to produce natural manure, prepare seeds at home during the summer, and rotate crops across onions, toor dal, corn, and bajra to maintain soil fertility.
Organic manure replaces chemical fertilisers, home-prepared seeds replace hybrids and cow dung replaces factory-made pesticides. And self-reliance replaces dependency on corporate suppliers.
The Mahua Harvesters of Madhya Pradesh
In Sorwa, Madhya Pradesh, seemingly ordinary women like Sarma bai have been collecting Mahua seeds and flowers since they were little. Every season, she and the other tribal women leave their homes before dawn, walk at least two kilometres into the forest, and spend the day gathering flowers and seeds from the indigenous Mahua trees. Harvesting Mahua proves to be a source of steady income for these women.
The Mahua trees, while rooted deeply in the culture of rural India, were once banned by the British, leaving behind a trail of red tape surrounding its use, which traditionally involved liquor made from its flowers. As new age brands like Sohrai reinvent the use of Mahua for skincare, the resurgence of interest in Mahua has meant it’s something women can depend on. The women earn up to ₹500-600 a day during harvest season. Many of these women continue to collect Mahua and pursue their college education.
The Snake Rescuer of Maharashtra
In Maharashtra’s Buldana, snake friend or सर्पमित्र Vanita Borade strived to rescue snakes from villages nearby. The snakes, often non-venomous, show up in homes, schools, even nearby shops. Borade answers multiple rescue calls and rushes to the spot to ensure the reptiles are safely rescued, making sure both the snake and the villagers are safe. While on her rescue call, she ensures to spread awareness about snake species, do’s and don’ts during a snake spotting and other safety basics. According to her, women have been most instrumental in ensuring that these reptiles, an important part of the ecological balance, aren’t killed. Borade rests only once she releases the reptiles in the forest nearby.
This series is a testament to the fact that something extraordinary begins to unfold when women come together. The earth is nurtured, traditions are honoured, and they leave behind a legacy of hope and care for generations to come.