Women and Naxalism

Context: There has been a sharp rise in women Maoist cadres killed in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh since 2024, as per data shared amid intensified government efforts to eliminate Maoism by 2026.

About Women and Naxalism:

• What It Is?

• Women cadres play a significant role in Naxal insurgency, especially in Bastar region and Jharkhand. Often coerced, indoctrinated, or forced into armed roles from poor tribal communities. Used as foot soldiers, human shields, and frontline fighters by Maoist leadership.

• Women cadres play a significant role in Naxal insurgency, especially in Bastar region and Jharkhand.

• Often coerced, indoctrinated, or forced into armed roles from poor tribal communities.

• Used as foot soldiers, human shields, and frontline fighters by Maoist leadership.

• Data Points:

• 2024: 217 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh and 74 were women. 2025 (till June 20): 195 killed and 82 were women.

• 2024: 217 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh and 74 were women.

• 2025 (till June 20): 195 killed and 82 were women.

• Factors Leading to Women Maoists:

• Coercion and threats to poor Adivasi families. Maoist practice of recruiting Bal Dastas (children’s squads). Ideological indoctrination of young girls. Patriarchal exploitation despite Maoist rhetoric of gender equality. Lack of alternative opportunities in backward regions.

• Coercion and threats to poor Adivasi families.

• Maoist practice of recruiting Bal Dastas (children’s squads).

• Ideological indoctrination of young girls.

• Patriarchal exploitation despite Maoist rhetoric of gender equality.

• Lack of alternative opportunities in backward regions.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Left-Wing Extremism Helps analyse gender dynamics in Left-Wing Extremism and evolving tactics of Naxal outfits; useful for understanding security challenges in affected regions.

• Helps analyse gender dynamics in Left-Wing Extremism and evolving tactics of Naxal outfits; useful for understanding security challenges in affected regions.

• GS Paper 1: Indian Society — Tribal Issues, Women in Conflict Zones Highlights the intersection of gender, tribal marginalisation, and insurgency; aids in examining the socio-cultural impact of conflict on tribal women.

• Highlights the intersection of gender, tribal marginalisation, and insurgency; aids in examining the socio-cultural impact of conflict on tribal women.

• GS Paper 2: Governance — Role of NGOs, SHGs, Civil Services in Rehabilitation Illustrates the need for gender-sensitive governance approaches; informs policy-making for rehabilitation and reintegration of women Maoist cadres.

• Illustrates the need for gender-sensitive governance approaches; informs policy-making for rehabilitation and reintegration of women Maoist cadres.