Gender Inequities in India's Urban Governance

Cities are historically known as centres of politics, economic opportunities, innovation and socio-cultural exchange. They are also physical manifestations of asymmetric power relationships deeply embedded in urban society, in which gender stands as a key dimension of exclusion and inequity. The aim of this research is to theoretically and empirically understand the state of women participation and the intermittent challenges for gender mainstreaming, with Indias urban governance as the case in point. The paper underpins that although numeric presence is necessary, it can certainly not be a sufficient condition for womens full, equal and informed participation in political, social and economic decision-making. The study finds specific gender roles and major challenges that affect women to effectively participate in city management. This country assessment of women participation in urban local bodies builds a compelling case in favour of their capacity building towards sustainable urban development.