Political participation and empowerment of women: A study on Panchayat Raj institutions in India from 1993 to 2024
Author(s): Shireen Parveen and Md. Iftekhar Hussain
Abstract: Political participation and empowerment of women are imperative for fostering gender equality and democratic governance. This paper examines the trajectory of women's engagement in Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India from 1993 to 2024 through a review of select papers. The study investigates the legal, structural, and societal obstacles that hinder women's involvement in politics, emphasising the role of gender quotas, education, and advocacy in overcoming these challenges. The 73rd Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution, mandating one-third reservation for women in PRIs, emerges as a pivotal catalyst for enhancing women's representation and influence at the grassroots level. Despite significant strides, persistent barriers such as patriarchal norms and resource disparities persist, necessitating sustained efforts to foster the meaningful participation and empowerment of women in PRIs. The paper highlights the importance of long-term impact assessments, intersectional analyses, and innovative approaches to address these challenges, advocating for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive governance framework aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Shireen Parveen, Md. Iftekhar Hussain. Political participation and empowerment of women: A study on Panchayat Raj institutions in India from 1993 to 2024. Int J Political Sci Governance 2024;6(1):342-345. DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2024.v6.i1e.344
