Abstract

Christianity has played a pivotal role in shaping education and gender equality in Northeast India, particularly in the Hill Districts of Manipur. Before the arrival of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century, tribal communities followed indigenous belief systems, and formal education was largely absent. Missionary efforts introduced Western education, leading to increased literacy rates and the establishment of schools that transformed tribal societies. A significant contribution of Christianity was the promotion of female education, which challenged the traditional patriarchal structures and provided women with greater social and economic opportunities. The impact of Christianity on tribal communities in Manipur is profound. Besides fostering literacy, Christian institutions have played a key role in empowering women through education, leadership, and social participation. However, challenges remain, including deep-rooted patriarchal norms, resistance to cultural change, and socio-economic barriers that hinder women’s advancement. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening educational infrastructure, promoting gender-inclusive policies, and fostering collaboration between religious and governmental organizations to sustain the progress initiated by Christian missionary efforts.