Preserving Culture and Land Rights in Tamil Nadu

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation (HRF) is a women-led, non-profit organization based in Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to promoting human rights and empowering marginalized communities such as fishers, Dalits[1], Scheduled Tribes[2], and Scheduled Castes[3]. HRF focuses on securing entitlements, social security, and constitutional protections for these communities, particularly in coastal regions. The organization works to alleviate poverty and build resilience against climate change. However, fisher communities in Tamil Nadu face significant challenges due to government-backed evictions, frequent extreme weather events, and the degradation of traditional livelihoods, which have been compounded by the socio-political instability and cultural erosion that many women, particularly widows and half-widows[4], experience.

[1] The Dalit community refers to marginalized and historically oppressed groups in South Asia, often subjected to discrimination and exclusion based on their caste status.
[2] In India, Scheduled Tribes (STs), also known as Adivasis, are officially recognized tribal groups given special protection and affirmative action due to their historical social and economic disadvantages
[3] Scheduled Castes, also known as Dalits, are officially designated groups in India, historically facing social and economic disadvantages, and are recognized by the Constitution for affirmative action and equality initiatives.
[4] A half-widow refers to a woman whose husband is missing, often due to drowning or accidents at sea, leaving her in a state of uncertainty and social stigma.