Women are leading a cultural shift in the undulating hills of Mizoram, where life moves at its own pace and the clouds dip low. heir contributions to the informal economy are the backbone of this state’s unique socio-economic fabric. In agriculture, bustling local markets, and small businesses, Mizoram’s women embody strength, resilience, and leadership. Their stories, though rooted in this northeastern state, offer lessons for informal economies across the globe.
Women as Pillars of Agriculture
Agriculture in Mizoram remains largely subsistence-based, and women are pivotal to this sector. They labor in jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation, tending to crops like rice, ginger, and turmeric. Beyond the physical toil, they manage post-harvest activities, including storage and sale, ensuring food security for their families and communities.
Their role transcends economic activity; it preserves traditional agricultural knowledge and practices that are inextricably linked to Mizoram’s ecological balance. By intercropping, rotating crops, and maintaining soil fertility, these women exemplify how sustainable agriculture can thrive even in challenging terrains.
The Lifeblood of Local Markets
Walk through any bazaar in Mizoram, and the presence of women is unmistakable. They dominate the local markets, selling everything from fresh produce to handwoven textiles. These women are not just vendors; they are entrepreneurs who understand market demands, price fluctuations, and supply chains.
Their resilience is striking. Despite limited access to formal financial services, they manage to sustain and grow their businesses. They juggle roles as caregivers and breadwinners, seamlessly weaving the threads of home and commerce.
Small Businesses, Big Impact
Mizoram’s women are also venturing into small businesses, embracing traditional crafts like weaving, bamboo art, and food processing. These micro-enterprises often serve as a family’s primary income source.
Take, for instance, the handloom industry, where women artisans craft exquisite puan (traditional Mizo wraparounds). These textiles are not just garments; they are cultural artifacts that command respect across India. By marketing their products locally and digitally, women entrepreneurs are breathing new life into traditional crafts and connecting Mizoram’s heritage with the global market.
The Gender Dividend: Lessons from Mizoram
Mizoram’s informal economy holds several lessons for regions grappling with similar challenges:
Empowering through Collectives: Women in Mizoram often operate through cooperatives and informal collectives. These groups provide financial stability, shared knowledge, and negotiation power. For instance, weaving collectives have enabled women to access larger markets and negotiate fair prices. Scaling such models could empower informal workers globally.
Leveraging Local Knowledge: Women in Mizoram seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, such as by integrating organic farming techniques into jhum cultivation. Governments and NGOs can replicate this approach by supporting women-led initiatives that draw on indigenous practices.
Investing in Digital Tools: Digital inclusion has begun to make inroads in Mizoram, with women entrepreneurs using platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to sell textiles and crafts. According to a 2022 report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India, rural internet penetration in the northeast remains at only 38%, leaving significant room for improvement. Expanding access to digital tools and training can help women scale their businesses beyond local markets.
Social Protection for Informal Workers: Globally, informal workers lack access to social security. Mizoram’s example highlights the importance of designing policies that cater to the dual burden women face as caregivers and breadwinners.
Breaking Barriers
While Mizoram’s women have made remarkable strides, structural barriers persist. A lack of formal credit access, gender disparities in land ownership, and limited exposure to national and global markets remain significant challenges. However, the resilience they demonstrate offers a blueprint for empowerment.
To unlock their full potential, governments and development organizations must prioritize:
Gender-sensitive financial products, such as low-interest loans for women in agriculture and trade.
Skill development programs that enhance digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
Infrastructure improvements, including roads and internet access, to bridge rural-urban divides.
A Global Perspective
The stories of Mizoram’s women resonate far beyond its borders. Their contributions highlight the untapped potential of informal economies worldwide, which the International Labour Organization estimates employ over 61% of the global workforce. By investing in the empowerment of women in informal sectors, nations can unlock economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development.
A Closing Reflection
The women of Mizoram’s informal economy teach us that resilience is not born of privilege but of necessity. They adapt, innovate, and lead, often with limited resources and support. Their strength underscores a larger truth: economies thrive when women thrive.
By championing their stories and addressing the barriers they face, Mizoram—and the world—can move closer to a more inclusive and equitable economic future. In the words of a Mizo proverb, “It is the hand that rocks the cradle that rules the world.” Mizoram’s women are proving that, one market stall and handwoven thread at a time.
“Imagine a place where every phone call is a journey, where a single email means hours on the road. For the children and community of Jhamtse Gatsal, this was more than just inconvenience—it was isolation.”
High in the untouched foothills of the Himalayas, nestled in a valley that echoes with peace and resilience, lies Jhamtse Gatsal—a sanctuary aptly named the “Garden of Love and Compassion.” Here, the community has thrived on shared values of care, mindfulness, and self-sufficiency, but one essential lifeline remained out of reach: connection to the outside world. While the rest of us can instantly connect, learn, and reach across continents with a single click, the people of Jhamtse Gatsal have waited years to simply reach beyond their remote valley.
For the community and children, reliable internet wasn’t just a convenience—it was a dream barely within sight.
But in 2022, everything changed. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a small team and a series of innovative solutions, Jhamtse Gatsal was finally connected to the world. And it all started with a call for help.
Lobsang Phuntsok, a former Buddhist monk and the founder of Jhamtse Gatsal, had a vision—not only for the future of the children in his care but for the entire community that supported them. The idea was simple yet profound: to nurture the children as you would a garden, with love, compassion, and patience, so they could grow and flourish. But the challenge was clear. Without reliable internet access, how could the children, teachers, and community leaders access the knowledge and opportunities they so desperately needed?
A phone call one and a half years ago was the catalyst for change. The community reached out to us, explaining their dire situation. The nearest source of internet was far away, and even then, their connection was so weak that to make a single call or send an email, they had to walk miles or drive hours to reach the nearest spot with a stable signal. The idea of a simple, reliable internet connection seemed impossible, but this community’s need was undeniable.
Our team headed to Arunachal Pradesh to execute this life-changing project. The journey was long and the terrain difficult, but the drive to bring hope and connection to this isolated community kept him going. After overcoming geographical challenges and implementing creative solutions, the connection was finally live.
Now, the impact has been nothing short of transformational. Teachers can access the internet from their classrooms and even from their homes. This newfound connectivity enables them to conduct research, attend virtual meetings, and access telemedicine services—paving the way for better healthcare. Students, too, now have access to vast resources and can connect with the world beyond their valley. This shift is not just about the convenience of being online; it’s about changing the course of the future for these children, providing them with opportunities for learning and growth that would have been unimaginable before.
For Genla, the founder, it was a game changer. He shared with us how, when he traveled to Delhi years ago, the first thing he would do was download shows and movies to enjoy back at the community. And now, with stable internet, he can easily make WhatsApp or Zoom calls from anywhere on campus—something that once seemed impossible, yet now is part of his everyday reality.
This is not just about technology. It’s about what technology enables. It’s about creating a future where distance, geography, and lack of resources no longer stand in the way of dreams.
At Jhamtse Gatsal, the seeds of hope and possibility are being planted every day. With the internet now part of their lives, the community has a clearer path ahead. And as they continue to grow, the world will be watching, and supporting, as these tiny seeds blossom into something extraordinary.
What happens when a hospital has state-of-the-art facilities but no consistent internet connection? In the remote, breathtaking village of Turtuk, nestled on India’s northern borders, Dr. Javed from Srinagar and pharmacist Dr. Kareem Ahmed confront this reality every day. They are dedicated healthcare professionals working in a facility they proudly maintain as one of the finest in the region, yet they’re held back by a barrier that most of us take for granted—reliable internet.
In this post from our #PeopleWithoutInternet series, we share the story of these committed healthcare heroes, the unique challenges they face, and the lengths they go to provide quality care despite limited connectivity
A Modern Hospital, Limited by Connectivity
The healthcare center in Turtuk is a source of pride for Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem. When our team visited, Dr. Javed guided us through the facility, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment and spotless facilities—a rare sight in a remote village. This small hospital is as modern as any urban healthcare facility, a testament to the dedication of the staff, who are determined to provide the best possible healthcare to Turtuk’s residents.
However, despite the hospital’s modern infrastructure, its connectivity remains a severe obstacle. Access to the internet in Turtuk is erratic at best, with doctors sometimes going up to a week without internet access. This lack of connectivity hinders their ability to upload essential documents to the government daily, a task that would be routine in any well-connected area. Moreover, without reliable internet, the hospital cannot access specialist advice on call, which is critical in emergencies, given Turtuk’s isolation and the lack of in-person specialists.
The Role of Internet in Remote Healthcare
For doctors like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem, internet access is not just a convenience; it’s essential for modern medical care. In an area where bringing specialists on-site is challenging, the internet bridges the gap by allowing remote consultations, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. Whether it’s uploading patient records, coordinating with government health departments, or seeking specialist advice, internet access is crucial for running an efficient and effective healthcare center in Turtuk.
In fact, reliable internet connectivity could transform the healthcare landscape in remote villages like Turtuk, enhancing access to quality care and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.
The Commitment of Turtuk’s Healthcare Team
What struck us most during our visit was the dedication of Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem. Beyond their professional duties, they are deeply invested in the well-being of their community and are committed to making Turtuk’s healthcare center a beacon of excellence. Their hope is that one day, Turtuk will have the same level of connectivity and access to resources as any major city, enabling them to provide their patients with comprehensive, world-class care.
These healthcare heroes continue to serve with limited resources, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of Turtuk’s residents. They are living examples of resilience and commitment, embodying the spirit of healthcare service despite the challenges they face.
Why Connectivity is Key to the Future of Rural Healthcare
Stories like those of Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem underscore the urgent need for reliable internet connectivity in remote regions. Without it, even the most well-equipped facilities are limited in their capacity to serve effectively. By bridging the digital divide, we can help healthcare workers like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem provide the care their communities deserve.
The #PeopleWithoutInternet series aims to highlight these stories, advocating for better connectivity in rural India, where it’s needed the most. When healthcare heroes like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem have access to reliable internet, they are empowered to bring life-changing improvements to their communities.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Javed, Dr. Kareem, and their team are committed to providing the best care possible, standing as pillars of hope for the people of Turtuk. Their story reminds us of the crucial role internet plays in healthcare and the importance of bridging the connectivity gap in rural India.
Stay tuned for more stories in our #PeopleWithoutInternet series as we continue to explore the lives of those who tirelessly work to serve their communities against all odds.
When Dr. Muktadil received his posting to Zanskar, his family’s worries weren’t quiet whispers—they were openly spoken concerns. The youngest in his family, raised in Kashmir, he had always drawn strength from his sister, the one who inspired his own journey into medicine. And though his family honored the Kashmiri tradition of nurturing at least one doctor in every household, they were uncertain about his decision to leave the familiarity of home for the unknown wilderness of Zanskar.
“I was determined,” he said, remembering the moment he set out. “But even I didn’t know what I was in for.”
The journey to Zanskar was a trial in itself, winding through sheer cliff faces, twisting roads, and unforgiving weather. The mountains seemed to loom higher with every mile, their silence an ominous welcome. By the time he arrived, even his resolve felt worn thin. And yet, the true test had only begun. Resident doctors who had come before him didn’t hold back their stories—accounts of endless winters, sub-zero nights, the quiet so profound it filled your bones. And the isolation was complete: without a reliable internet connection, Zanskar was a land as remote from the rest of the world as the stars above.
“I remember wondering if I’d made a mistake,” he confided. “There were nights I felt completely cut off. It’s a village that moves at its own pace. The mountains are always watching, and in some ways, they keep you… humbled.”
But Dr. Muktadil persisted. He learned to navigate the unpredictable weather, the narrow mountain trails, and the solitude. The community—simple, authentic, and without pretenses—gradually became his new family. He grew to understand their needs and their way of life, and he came to treasure their resilience.
Then, within a year’s time, something extraordinary happened. Connectivity arrived in Zanskar. The once silent village now hummed with the subtle power of the internet. A simple click could bridge the distance between Zanskar and his family in Kashmir, between a diagnosis here and a specialist’s opinion miles away.
“It was as though someone had opened a window, and suddenly I could see beyond the mountains,” he said, his eyes bright with the memory. Telemedicine consultations became a possibility, and he was able to access resources that once seemed out of reach. “It changed everything. Patients who might have had to travel hours, risking health and weather, could now get expert advice right here in the clinic.”
With the internet’s arrival, Zanskar’s remoteness softened. Not only did he have access to medical knowledge and resources, but he could finally reconnect with his family, sharing laughter and stories as if he’d never left. The homesickness that had haunted him at the beginning now seemed to fade into the background, and for the first time, Zanskar felt like home.
Yet there was more to this journey. The internet also connected Dr. Muktadil to something deeply personal. With it, he could reconnect to his roots, reaching back to memories of his own childhood in Kashmir. He shared stories of his community’s grit, of the strength woven into the fabric of his culture. “The portrayal of Kashmir in the media…it rarely captures the warmth, the pride, and the traditions that bind us together,” he shared. “Kids today in Kashmir are growing up with new dreams, ones that my parents’ generation couldn’t have imagined.”
He smiled, recalling his sister and the dreams she had instilled in him. It was her vision of a doctor’s life that had brought him to Zanskar. And now, it was this place—the stark, solitary beauty of it—that had taught him to be the kind of doctor he had always aspired to become.
And so, as Dr. Muktadil faces his next assignment, he finds himself reluctant to leave Zanskar, a place that had once filled him with dread. “Funny, isn’t it?” he chuckled softly. “Now, I can’t imagine not being here. This village, these mountains, and now…this connection to the world. It’s strange how home can find you in the most unexpected places.”
In Zanskar, the internet is more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline, a bridge, and perhaps most importantly, a way for dreams to cross borders. For Dr. Muktadil, it is the difference between feeling isolated and feeling a part of something far greater—a testament to how even in the remotest corners of the world, a simple connection can redefine not only a place but also a person’s heart.
The stillness of Mizoram’s green hills seems timeless, but beneath this serene exterior, a powerful shift is underway. A wave of digital connectivity is spreading, reaching even the most remote corners of this northeastern state. As India’s third most literate state, after Kerala and Lakshadweep, Mizoram has long been a beacon of educational success. But with reliable internet access finally making inroads into its rural landscapes, a new story begins—one where literacy is empowered by digital access, reshaping education, healthcare, and local economies in ways once thought impossible.
Education and Digital Literacy: A New Frontier
For Mizoram’s teachers and students, access to digital resources is like opening the doors to an endless library. Previously constrained by limited textbooks and learning materials, rural schools can now incorporate a wealth of information into their curriculum. Teachers can enhance lessons with the latest global resources, while students can dive into virtual learning environments that foster critical thinking and collaboration. In classrooms that once felt isolated, there’s now a connection to a larger, global world of knowledge.
Beyond traditional education, digital literacy training is also taking root. Initiatives to teach students and teachers essential digital skills are helping Mizoram build a tech-savvy generation prepared to participate in the broader digital economy. With skills in coding, digital research, and media literacy, young people are stepping into a future where they’re equipped to both consume and create in a digital landscape.
Transforming Remote Villages: Healthcare and Connectivity
The story of connectivity in Mizoram stretches far beyond the cities and towns, reaching into the most remote villages. In these areas, where the nearest healthcare facilities are often hours away, internet access has become a lifeline. Telemedicine platforms link rural clinics to urban hospitals, allowing doctors to provide critical consultations remotely. This new model of healthcare reduces travel time for patients, cuts costs, and, in emergencies, could even save lives.
For many villages, internet access also means improved public health education. Through digital platforms, residents can access information on disease prevention, hygiene, and nutrition, empowering communities to take a proactive role in their well-being. This digital lifeline is especially crucial in Mizoram, where hilly terrain and seasonal monsoons often isolate communities for weeks at a time.
Economic Empowerment: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
Digital connectivity is also transforming Mizoram’s economy. With internet access, local artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses are finding ways to sell their goods beyond the state’s borders, reaching customers across India and even internationally. The handmade textiles, traditional bamboo crafts, and intricate shawls that Mizoram is famous for can now be marketed online, providing artisans with direct access to buyers. This economic empowerment not only boosts individual income but strengthens entire communities, creating a ripple effect that fuels local economies.
For young entrepreneurs, connectivity means access to e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and online marketing tools. Small businesses that once relied on foot traffic and word-of-mouth are now harnessing social media to build loyal customer bases. Many are even attending virtual workshops to learn the latest in business skills, from financial management to brand building.
Preserving Culture in the Digital Era
In Mizoram, where rich traditions are woven deeply into daily life, internet access is playing a unique role in cultural preservation. Digital platforms allow Mizo communities to document and share their festivals, songs, and dances, reaching audiences far beyond the state’s borders. With social media and video-sharing sites, Mizos can showcase and preserve their heritage, while also inviting others to learn about their way of life.
At the same time, internet access makes it possible for younger generations to stay connected to their roots. From traditional cooking tutorials shared with Mizo diaspora to recorded oral histories of village elders, digital connectivity allows Mizoram’s cultural legacy to flourish in a new format, making it both accessible and timeless.
Overcoming Barriers: The Path Forward
The journey to digital connectivity in Mizoram has been filled with challenges. The state’s mountainous terrain complicates infrastructure development, and seasonal rains often disrupt connectivity. In many areas, electricity and reliable power sources are still limited, affecting consistent internet access. Yet, innovative solutions are emerging. Solar-powered internet hubs, satellite links, and partnerships with telecom providers are some ways that connectivity is expanding despite geographical and logistical hurdles.
Government initiatives and partnerships with local NGOs have also played a vital role. By investing in infrastructure and training programs, these efforts are helping ensure that digital access reaches every part of Mizoram. Continued support and innovation will be key to making sure that connectivity becomes a long-term reality for all.
A Vision Realized: Mizoram’s Digital Future
As this wave of connectivity spreads across Mizoram, the state’s future feels boundless. What began with literacy has now expanded into a movement where digital skills, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation intersect. The internet is not merely enhancing literacy; it’s amplifying Mizoram’s potential, transforming the way people learn, connect, and thrive. Just as literacy laid the foundation, connectivity is the spark that brings dreams to life, inspiring Mizos to imagine new possibilities and create lasting change.
The stillness of Mizoram’s hills may remain, but beneath that calm exterior lies a quiet hum of progress—a revolution in the making, where tradition and technology converge to shape a more connected, resilient Mizoram. And as more doors open, a new generation of digitally literate, globally connected Mizos steps forward, ready to make their mark on the world
