climate change threatens women in tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, a state with the highest number of missing persons cases in India, climate change has severely impacted the livelihoods of tribal communities. The region, home to over 16 million tribal inhabitants, has seen a significant outmigration of workers seeking temporary jobs in other states due to insufficient agricultural yields. This dire economic situation has led to young girls, like Rashmi, being trafficked under the guise of job opportunities, resulting in forced marriages and exploitation. The alarming trend of missing minors, particularly girls, has been exacerbated by the lack of resources and opportunities in their home villages. Between 2019 and 2021, nearly 200,000 women and girls disappeared in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the vulnerability of these communities. Families often face stigma and blame when their daughters go missing, with societal narratives framing it as a character issue rather than addressing the underlying economic pressures. Mental health repercussions are significant, as families endure the trauma of losing loved ones and the societal shame associated with it. Experts emphasize that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a pressing social concern that affects the mental well-being of these communities. The struggle for survival forces families to make desperate choices, leading to a cycle of poverty and exploitation. Activists and NGOs are working to raise awareness and provide support to these vulnerable populations, but the root causes of migration and trafficking must be addressed to create sustainable solutions. The situation calls for urgent attention to the socio-economic factors driving these crises, ensuring that the voices of tribal women and girls are heard and their rights protected.