Women, Uphold Self-Respect, Be Self-Reliant, Protect the Environment!
By Dr. Vinita Apte (Founder, TERRE Policy Centre)
Pune, 5th March 2025: Every nation has two wings—one is a woman, and the other is a man. Naturally, for a country to progress, both wings must be respected. Today, there is no field where women are not at the forefront. It is essential that such women empower others as well. Successful women working in public sectors often have to face male ego, and at times, even other women do not cooperate, creating obstacles on both fronts. Women should cultivate a positive attitude
and the ability to make firm decisions. I always believe that women should uphold their self-respect, avoid falling into temptations, and strive to be self-reliant.
I have observed many women working in the environmental sector. Internationally, a significant number of women are active in this field. It is a matter of great pride that women are making their mark even in traditionally male-dominated sectors like the forest department. Women are leading in waste management as well. If we want to save the environment on Earth, women’s contribution is crucial. Women can effectively take steps such as saving water, conserving electricity, and maintaining cleanliness. Simply planting trees is not enough; their preservation is equally essential. Many people express concern for the environment, but few take concrete action. To change this scenario, I am working towards spreading awareness among women about global environmental issues, trees, and their habitats through my writing.
We depend on agriculture, forests, water, and clean air. Research indicates that in the future, these resources may not be as readily available to us, which is a matter of concern. It is our that it does not become polluted. Environmental concern must be accompanied by action. We regard the Earth as ‘Vasundhara’—like a
mother, and this increases our responsibility on Women’s Day. The name ‘TERRE’ is derived from the French word for ‘Vasundhara,’ which is why our organization, TERRE Policy Centre, adopted this name.
A Journey of Environmental Commitment
Despite having experience in banking, a passion for acting, and anchoring, Dr. Vinita Apte’s deep concern for environmental issues led her to establish TERRE (Technology, Education, Research, Rehabilitation for the Environment), a non-governmental organization. Even after having the opportunity to work with the United Nations Environment Programme in Paris, she returned to India to continue her work in the environmental sector. Over the past ten years, her organization has planted and preserved more than 500,000 trees. Forest-like plantations have been established in 25 locations, and mangrove plantations have been carried out in three locations.
Currently, in villages like Dolvi, Karav, Jambhali, Kodi, Dandeli, and Jui, over 15,000 families have been provided livelihood opportunities through the distribution of 50,000 fruit trees to farmers to improve soil fertility. An indigenous museum has been established in Kodi, providing multiple employment opportunities for local youth and women. A similar tribal museum has been developed in Pune district. Butterfly gardens are also being created.
Dr. Apte believes that merely planting trees is not enough; their preservation is equally important. She has been consistently involved in afforestation and conservation efforts on the hills of Warje. While many people show concern for the environment, very few take actual steps. She was also part of the Civil20 Sustainable Development and Climate Action Committee under India’s G20 presidency. To spread environmental awareness, events such as the TERRE Olympiad and Environathon are regularly organized. Several environmental awards are also conferred. Dr. Apte is actively involved with the ‘Global Women Network for Nature’ as well.
