In Arunachal Pradesh, women have long been at the heart of their communities, often playing pivotal roles within their families and villages. Yet, for much of history, their contributions to public life were often overlooked, and their voices rarely heard beyond the domestic sphere. However, in recent decades, the women of this culturally rich and diverse state have been rewriting the narrative. They are stepping beyond traditional boundaries, challenging societal norms, and rising to leadership positions in every facet of life. Across the state, women are leading grassroots movements, shaping policies, and inspiring others to take up causes that drive change.
Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing a quiet but powerful revolution—one where women are breaking barriers, redefining roles, and creating a future where they are not just participants in progress but the driving force behind it. Among these changemakers are figures like Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, Mamang Dai, Colonel Ponung Doming, Tage Rita Takhe, Tenzin Yangki, and Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa, among others, whose remarkable contributions to social work, literature, and community empowerment are lighting the way for future generations of women to dream bigger and achieve more.
Mamang Dai: The Voice of Arunachal’s Heritage and Culture
Mamang Dai is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most celebrated writers, whose work has brought the state’s tribal cultures and their people into the national and international spotlight. As a poet, novelist, and journalist, she uses her craft to advocate for social justice, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of women.
Through her work, she highlights the intimate relationship between people and nature while weaving folklore and ancestral wisdom into modern narratives. At the same time, her work addresses themes of cultural preservation and the impact of modernity on indigenous traditions.
Recognized for her literary contributions, Mamang Dai was honored with the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Verrier Elwin Prize in 2013 for her book Arunachal Pradesh: The Hidden Land, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2017. Beyond literature, Dai has been an active advocate for the rights of indigenous women, ensuring their voices are heard in critical conversations on climate change, governance, and societal progress.
Today, Mamang Dai stands as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Her work continues to inspire young women to pursue their passions, and her legacy as a bridge between tradition and modernity cements her as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Indian literature.
Jumde Yomgam Gamlin: Championing Social Reform and Empowerment
Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, a pioneer in tackling drug addiction in Arunachal Pradesh, has dedicated over three decades to social reform. She founded Mother’s Vision, a spirituality-based de-addiction and rehabilitation center, which has helped over 700 individuals recover from addiction and regain their place in society. Her efforts have also led to the eradication of marijuana and opium cultivation in the Geku and Katan areas of Upper Siang district, thanks to her successful anti-drug campaigns supported by local women and community leaders.
Additionally, Gamlin has empowered more than 2,000 women through vocational training programs and financial support, giving them the tools to achieve economic independence. Her tireless work was recently recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri Award for social work, honoring her decades of service and impactful contributions to her community.
Colonel Ponung Doming: A Symbol of Courage and Leadership in the Indian Army
Colonel Ponung Doming, an army officer from Pasighat, is the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to achieve the rank of Colonel in the Indian Army. She was awarded the prestigious Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) for her exemplary service in the Indian Army. Currently, she leads a unit constructing a high-altitude road in Ladakh’s Demchok sector, ensuring critical connectivity to the military’s farthest outpost, Fukche, located just 3 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Ponung also served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014. Her achievements are not only a testament to her personal dedication but also to the rising role of women in the defense forces of India.
Tage Rita Takhe: Pioneering Kiwi Wine Making and Empowering Local Agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh
Tage Rita Takhe, an agricultural engineer from Ziro Valley, has revolutionized India’s agricultural landscape by becoming the country’s first kiwi wine brewer. In 2017, Rita founded Naara Aaba, a boutique winery that brews wine from locally grown kiwi fruits, addressing the challenge of underutilized crops in her region. With her innovative approach, she not only created a sustainable business model but also supported over 300 local farmers who contributed to the thriving kiwi ecosystem. Starting with a production capacity of 20,000 liters, her winery now produces 60,000 liters annually, thanks to six years of meticulous research and dedication. Rita’s work has earned her national recognition, including the Women Transforming India Award by NITI Aayog in 2018 and the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022, acknowledging her contributions to women’s empowerment and agriculture.
Tenzin Yangki: Arunachal Pradesh’s First Female IPS Officer and a Trailblazer for Aspiring Women
Tenzin Yangki, a resident of a village in the Tawang district, made history by becoming the first female IPS officer of Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. With a remarkable rank of 545th in the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, she broke barriers and set an inspiring example for countless young aspirants across the state.
Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa: Conquering Mount Everest and Inspiring Generations
Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa, a legendary mountaineer, made history by summiting Mount Everest five times, including becoming the first woman to achieve a double ascent of the peak in the same season. Her record-breaking feat of completing two ascents in just five days in 2017 has cemented her place as one of India’s greatest adventurers. Honored with the Padma Shri and numerous other awards, Dr. Anshu has inspired generations of women and mountaineers to pursue their dreams and climb beyond limits.
Empowering Women through Education and Employment
Arunachal Pradesh has made significant strides in improving women’s access to education and healthcare in recent years. Government initiatives, along with the support of local NGOs and civil society organizations, have led to improved literacy rates among women and greater access to skill development programs. Women in Arunachal Pradesh are now empowered to lead in business, governance, and the arts.
Additionally, the role of women in Arunachal’s indigenous communities has always been one of strength. Women in these communities have traditionally managed household affairs, cultivated land, and cared for children. Over time, these roles have expanded as women have gained access to education and training, allowing them to become active participants in public life.
Conclusion: Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
The road ahead requires continued advocacy, collaboration, and a strong commitment to ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to succeed. As Arunachal Pradesh moves forward, the women of the state are poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping its future.
The legacies of Mamang Dai, Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, Colonel Ponung Doming, and others demonstrate how empowered women uplift entire communities. Through education, skill development, and cultural preservation, the women of Arunachal Pradesh are breaking barriers and creating lasting change. Let their stories inspire us all to continue the fight for a more just, equal, and inclusive world.
Article Credit: blog.mygov