Dr. Mercie Gangte is an esteemed academic currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Women’s Studies, Pondicherry University. Her academic and research pursuits primarily focus on gender, family, kinship, and tribal studies, with a particular emphasis on the unique socio-cultural dynamics of Northeast India. She brings with her a diverse teaching background, having taught in various colleges across India and Bhutan. Over the years, she has built a strong academic profile, contributing significantly through numerous publications in the field of gender and tribal studies. Dr. Gangte has presented a wide range of research papers at national and international seminars and conferences, further establishing her presence in the academic community. Since 2021, she has also served as an Academic Counsellor in Women and Gender Studies at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), where she contributes to shaping the academic discourse in gender studies at a broader level. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Gangte is a member of the Research Committee on Gender Studies under the Indian Sociological Society and also affiliated with the Indian Association for Women’s Studies. Her commitment extends beyond academia into grassroots development, particularly in the upliftment of tribal women in the hill areas of Manipur and Mizoram. She has been actively engaged in various social reform initiatives aimed at promoting women’s rights and education, especially in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. These engagements reflect her passion for bridging the gap between theory and practice in the field of women’s studies. At Pondicherry University, Dr. Gangte currently teaches courses such as “Women’s Movements,” “Gender and Politics,” “Women in Science and Technology,” “Women and Local Governance” and “Indigenous Feminism.” These subjects align closely with her interests in women’s participation in public life and the broader implications of policy, education, and tradition on women’s lives. She combines theoretical knowledge with practical insight, offering students a holistic view of women’s issues in diverse socio-political contexts.
One of her significant research interests lies in studying the impact of customary laws on women in Northeast India. She critically examines how traditional norms and practices affect women’s rights, autonomy, and participation in both domestic and public spheres. Her work highlights the tension between customary practices and constitutional guarantees of equality, drawing attention to the need for nuanced policy and legal interventions in tribal areas. Dr. Gangte is recognized for her in-depth knowledge and interdisciplinary approach to women’s studies. Her work blends academic rigor with a grounded understanding of the lived experiences of women, particularly from marginalized communities. Through her teaching, research, and activism, she continues to inspire students and colleagues alike while contributing meaningfully to the discourse on gender and tribal rights in India.
Dr. Gangte’s publications span diverse areas of women’s studies, including gender construction, customary laws, entrepreneurship, disaster management, and religion with special focus on tribal women in Northeast India. Her primary research interest lies in gender and kinship studies, reflecting her commitment to exploring the intricate social dynamics shaping women’s lives across various cultural and societal contexts.