Weaves of resilience

The north-east has had a checkered past when it comes to political quietude, but activist and humanitarian Binalakshmi Nepram is determined to pave the way for a bulletproof future.

- RIDDHI DASTIDAR

AT 48, BINALAKSHMI NEPRAM is a formidable figure: founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, the Global Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, Gender Justice and Peace, and the Northeast Women Initiative for Peace; author of five books; winner of numerous honours including an Ashoka Social Innovators Fellowship. Heer life’s work has been about bringing women to the forefront of the path to peace and redirecting conflict resolution from a masculinist, exclusionary approach towards indigenous, feminist modes of operating. It’s unclear when she finds the time to sleep.

It’s early morning, and clad ina striking red Manipuri inaphi, thick black hair framing her smiling face, Nepram is a presence to be reckoned with, even over Zoom. I compliment her outfit, which I recognise as a signature look from having watched her talks online. It’s important to her to represent Manipuri weaves. Looms are like laptops in Manipur,” she says. Every household has one. There is so much strength in our weaves. For women survivors of gun violence, it has been a means of survival.”