‘I have to ask my husband for literally everything': How a warmer climate is changing gender roles

West Kameng, India — Dressed in a black sweatshirt and pink chugba – a traditional long gown – a woman named Tashi Lhamo, 53, reminisces about her previous life as a yak herder in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Due to climate change, she and her husband transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle as farmers in a farming village. However, this transition has also led to a significant shift in gender dynamics, with Brokpa women losing power and influence. The worsening environmental conditions, including rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns, have impacted the traditional livelihood of the Brokpa people, resulting in a decrease in the number of yak herders. The shift to farming communities has also affected the economic independence of Brokpa women and their previous marital system, known as khor dekpa. Additionally, the integration into farming communities has led to gender disparities in decision-making and local politics, with women having limited power and influence. Despite the challenges, Tashi Lhamo still longs for the freedom and way of life she had as a yak herder.