Ecofeminism and Environmental Protection: Bishnoi Women’s Activism in Rajasthan

This study investigates the environmental protection practices of Bishnoi women in Rajasthan through an ecofeminist lens. It argues that Bishnoi women embody a unique model of ecological stewardship, one that merges spiritual obligation with gendered agency. Grounded in the teachings of Guru Jambheshwar’s 29 principles and the historical legacy of the Khejarli Massacre, Bishnoi women continue to preserve biodiversity in one of India’s harshest ecological regions. Their activism spans everyday practices—such as nurturing orphaned animals and conserving scarce water resources—to organized resistance against poaching, illegal logging, and ecological exploitation. The paper situates Bishnoi women within global ecofeminist movements, highlighting similarities with the Chipko Movement in India and the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. Despite their contributions, their leadership often remains marginalized in policy and academic discourse. The analysis demonstrates that acknowledging their ecological knowledge and activism is critical for sustainable development. Policy recommendations stress the importance of legal safeguards, economic incentives, integration of indigenous knowledge, and recognition of women’s leadership. The findings underscore the global relevance of Bishnoi women’s ecofeminism in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and gender justice.