The CHT Women Headman Karbari Network (Khagrachari District Committee) is a community-based indigenous women's organization formed to strengthen the leadership and participation of women traditional leaders across the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The organization is formed by indigenous women Headmen and Karbaris who represent traditional governance institutions within their respective communities.
The Network works collectively to promote indigenous women's rights, leadership, cultural identity, social justice, peacebuilding, and community empowerment.
As a platform for advocacy, capacity development, networking, and representation, we contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
To establish an indigenous society where women traditional leaders actively participate in governance, decision-making, peacebuilding, and sustainable development — while preserving indigenous culture, identity, and customary institutions.
To strengthen the leadership capacity of indigenous women Headmen and Karbaris; promote rights and dignity; preserve culture and customary governance; advocate for gender equality and inclusive decision-making.
To empower indigenous women traditional leaders and strengthen their meaningful participation in customary governance, community leadership, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts is home to diverse indigenous communities with long-standing customary governance systems led by Headmen and Karbaris.
While women have historically contributed significantly to community life, cohesion, and cultural preservation, their participation in leadership and decision-making structures has remained limited due to social and institutional barriers.
Recognizing the need for collective representation and empowerment, the Network was established as a community-based platform to strengthen women's leadership, enhance participation in traditional governance, and advocate for indigenous women's rights.
Building leadership and governance capacity for indigenous women traditional leaders across the CHT.
Raising voices for indigenous women's rights in policy, governance, and community spaces — at every level.
Khagrachari District Committee
Strategic direction, governance oversight, and overall coordination.
Senior leaders providing wisdom, mentorship, and cultural guidance.
Thematic committees overseeing each of our programmes.
Traditional women leaders from across mouzas, villages, and unions.
Traditional Headmen strengthening customary governance across the CHT.
Regional network of indigenous women traditional leaders.
District-level association supporting customary administration and conflict resolution.
Grassroots Karbari platform supporting indigenous villages.
Partner with us, support our programmes, or get involved as a community ally.