No abstract

Circularization has been viewed as a core strategic instrument for achieving sustainable development. Along the same lines, applying circularization in an integrated rural livestock development project is essential considering the importance of biomass in the circular economy. However, the geoecological variations, community motivations for sustainability, availability of appropriate technology, and dynamics associated with the livestock product markets outline challenges for the circular economy in biomass-rich rural India. An impact assessment survey of an integrated rural livestock development project revealed an early stage emergence of the circular economy. The survey charted the important role of blended traditional and modern practices in livestock keeping along with biomass management through appropriate technologies conjoined with green value chain-based enterprises for monetizable incentivization. The impact assessment highlighted challenges such as affordability of modern technology, improper microenterprise management, and consumer awareness, which implied policy-based interventions for adequate circularization to ensure sustainable biomass, and allied livelihoods.

Advocating human development and social justice, and influencing the policy-induced change, are primary roles of social workers. However, in India, policy advocacy on women’s issues involves context-specific challenges due to politico-religious society and institutions. Social workers are challenged by different gendered beliefs across public and private systems while promoting gender equality in India. Therefore, policy advocacy on women’s issues implies changing gendered social contexts and confront a range of entities and institutions governed by state policies. Using a conceptual approach, author outlines challenges for social work in advocating women’s issues in India. The paper concludes with suggestions for social work education and practice for effective policy advocacy on gender issues in India.