The Participation of Women in Grassroots Democracy in India

This article explores the historical context and contemporary challenges of women's participation in grassroots democracy in India. Historically marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, women in India have faced significant socio-cultural, political, and economic barriers hindering their active involvement in governance. The introduction of the 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1992, which reserved seats for women in local Panchayati Raj Institutions, marked a pivotal but incomplete step towards gender equality in political representation. Despite legislative measures, women continue to encounter obstacles such as patriarchal norms, limited access to resources, and societal expectations that confine them to traditional roles. The article also examines initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing women's participation, including capacity-building programs and reservation policies, and assesses their impact on social and political dynamics at the grassroots level. Ultimately, it advocates for comprehensive efforts to dismantle barriers and empower women as active agents of change in democratic governance.