Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Sept 27 : In the high Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, nine Tibetan refugee women are defying stereotypes by working alongside men in road construction under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Employed with the 763 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) of Project Vartak, the women carry out demanding tasks such as stone breaking, load carrying and assisting in road-building at altitudes above 15,000 feet, where temperatures often fall below –20°C.
Officials said their earnings sustain nearly 50 dependents, turning the opportunity into a source of economic independence and dignity. The women’s work has enabled education for their children, better healthcare access, and greater decision-making power within their families.
To support them, 763 BRTF provides protective gear including jackets, raincoats, boots and gloves, along with skill training to ensure safety and efficiency in the harsh conditions.
The Army described their contribution as vital both for local communities and national security, noting that each road laid in these remote border areas is a lifeline for villages and a strategic asset for the country.
