PASIGHAT, Feb 11: Dr Menuka Kadu, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Social Work at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, has been conferred the prestigious Overall Best Presentation Award at the 9th International Conference on The Future of Women (FOW 2026).
The conference, held from February 9-10 in Bali, Indonesia, brought together over 1,200 participants from 50 countries to deliberate on the theme “Feminist Perspectives in GLocal Contexts.”
Dr Kadu received the award for her research paper titled “Silenced Bodies, Formed Identities: Tribal Girls’ Menstrual Experiences in Northeast India.” The study was recognised for its methodological rigour and significant contribution to feminist scholarship.
Her research draws on qualitative narratives from the Galo, Adi, and Idu Mishmi communities, examining how menstrual stigma and taboos influence gender socialisation and identity formation among young tribal women in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a statement, the conference organisers noted, “This achievement highlights India’s growing presence in international gender research. Dr Kadu’s work stands out for its ethical depth and its focus on grounded, community-centred scholarship within global feminist discourse.”
As the sole presenter from Northeast India, Dr Kadu represented the region on a global platform, placing local perspectives alongside those of internationally renowned scholars. Distinguished participants at the conference included Prof Bettina Aptheker (University of California, Santa Cruz), Prof Wendy Martin (Claremont Graduate University), and Prof Wening Udasmoro (Universitas Gadjah Mada).
Organised by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), the conference featured keynote addresses and workshops on pressing global issues such as gender-based violence, economic justice, and women’s leadership.
Dr Kadu’s recognition underscores the importance of documenting indigenous experiences to better understand and challenge the everyday practices of restriction and exclusion faced by adolescent girls, while amplifying Northeast India’s voice in global feminist research.