How are wildlife monitoring technologies used to harass Indian women?

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Wildlife Monitoring Technologies Are Misused to Harass and Spy on Women in India

Wildlife monitoring technologies such as camera traps and drones, intended for conservation efforts in India, are being exploited to intimidate, harass, and spy on women. These tools have extended the reach of societal pressures into areas previously considered safe spaces for women, leading to fear and altered behaviours. The misuse of this technology highlights a critical disconnect between conservation goals and the lived realities of local communities, particularly women.
Surveillance Extends Societal Harassment into Forests

Camera traps, drones, and sound recorders deployed for monitoring wildlife, including tigers and elephants, have been repurposed by some individuals to extend societal surveillance into forest areas. For women in villages surrounding reserves like the Corbett Tiger Reserve, forests traditionally offered a degree of freedom and expression away from restrictive social norms. However, the presence of these technologies has led to women feeling constantly observed, fearing inappropriate photography or recording, which curtails their ability to use these spaces freely for activities like collecting firewood and grass.
Specific Incidents of Harassment and Intimidation

Instances of deliberate misuse have been documented, including drones being flown directly over women, forcing them to abandon their tasks and flee. A particularly disturbing case involved a camera trap capturing an image of an autistic woman from a marginalised caste relieving herself in the forest in 2017. This photograph was subsequently shared on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook by local men, with the explicit intent to shame her. Such incidents have led to community backlash, with villagers destroying camera traps in protest.
Impact on Women's Freedom and Safety

The pervasive surveillance has significantly impacted women's sense of security and freedom. Women report being afraid to walk or sit in areas where cameras are present, altering their daily routines and forcing some to venture into unfamiliar parts of the forest. This shift in behaviour has had severe consequences, with one woman who was forced into a more remote area due to fear of cameras reportedly being killed by a tiger. While the technology itself is acknowledged as valuable for conservation, its implementation has not adequately considered the social context, leading to new avenues for harassment.

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How are wildlife monitoring technologies used to harass Indian women?

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