Environmental restoration through women led community engagement: reflections from the woman leader of siruthuli

Abstract

At the National and International level, women have increasingly become transformative forces in enabling social and environmental change. Their inherent ability to adopt inclusive, participatory approach in addressing societal challenges has implicitly contributed to the sustainable growth of the community. This qualitative case study explores the leadership journey of Ms. Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee of Siruthuli a NGO established with a mission of protecting and restoring Coimbatore’s ecological system. The study examines how the collaborative leadership style of the Woman leader has inspired the different stakeholders of the society to engage proactively in environmental restoration and sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on the rejuvenation of the Noyyal River basin. Insights gathered from an interview with her highlight the role of her early life influences, personal motivation, key initiatives, and community mobilisation strategies in uniting diverse stakeholders to restore the region’s ecological balance. The findings demonstrate that women-led environmental leadership strengthens ecological resilience by promoting social cohesion and a sense of collective responsibility, offering a replicable framework for sustainable development.