Proxy Representation And Women’s Political Participation In India: A Critical Analysis Of Empowerment In Panchayati Raj Institutions
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Tiana Alwin Lopes & Yashodharani Brijesh Sharma, KES’ Shri Jayantilal H Patel Law College
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this paper is to focus on the irony of higher political representation without women's empowerment in the Indian local government system by examining the concept of proxy representation in PRIs. Due to the quota system, the 73rd Amendment Act of India has facilitated the descriptive representation of women significantly. It does not, however, guarantee their political empowerment. An example of such irony can be seen in the form of Sarpanch Pati. In this case, the male relatives of the female Sarpanch use their latent powers for their wives, sisters, uncles sake. This research examines the issue with the help of the theory of descriptive and substantive representation. Through secondary data sources, it will examine some issues which hinder women's decision-making capacity. Such problems include socio-cultural and structural issues like patriarchy, dependence, castes, and illiteracy. From the findings, it can be concluded that women have been empowered due to the quota system, but they are not politically empowered.
Keywords: Women’s political participation, Proxy representation, Sarpanch Pati system, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Descriptive representation, Substantive representation, Gender and politics, Women’s empowerment, Patriarchy, Local governance in India.
