EWRS OF PRIs

Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of PRIs participated in the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD57)Event: “Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way” at New York.

Role of Women in Local Governance:

• Enhanced Representation and Participation: Women's representation in local governance ensures that their voices and perspectives are included in decision-making processes. This leads to more inclusive and diverse policies that reflect the needs of the entire community. Over a million women across India are elected members of around 2.6 lakh gram panchayats in the country.

• Example: In Haryana, women leaders have successfully advocated for improved health and sanitation facilities, addressing issues that directly impact women and children.

STATUS OF RESERVATION FOR WOMEN IN PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS (PRIS) IN INDIA

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act mandated the reservation of one-third of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and offices of the chairperson at all levels of Panchayati Raj institutions, and in urban local bodies respectively.

• Out of the total 1/3rd seats reserved for women, 33% had to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes women.

• One-third of the seats of office-bearers and chairpersons at all levels had to be reserved for women as well.

• Transparency and Accountability in Governance: Studies have shown that women leaders often bring greater transparency and accountability to local governance. They tend to be more community-focused and are less likely to be involved in corrupt practices.

• Example: In Karnataka, women panchayat leaders have been instrumental in ensuring proper utilization of funds and reducing instances of corruption in local projects.

• Focus on Social Issues: Women in local governance often prioritize social issues such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and child welfare, leading to tangible improvements in these areas.

• Example: In Bihar, women leaders have spearheaded initiatives to improve school infrastructure and promote female education, leading to higher enrollment and retention rates for girls.

• Economic Empowerment: Women leaders in local governance play a crucial role in promoting economic development by supporting women’s self-help groups, small businesses, and vocational training programs.

• Example: In Tamil Nadu, women-led panchayats have successfully implemented microcredit schemes and skill development programs, boosting the local economy and empowering women financially.

• Infrastructure Development: Women representatives often advocate for better infrastructure in their communities, such as roads, water supply, and electricity, which directly improves the quality of life for all residents.

• Example: In Maharashtra, women sarpanches have been key in initiating and completing infrastructure projects that have improved connectivity and access to basic amenities in rural areas.

• Social Change and Gender Equality: Women in local governance challenge traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms, paving the way for greater gender equality in society.

• Example: In Gujarat, women leaders have led campaigns against domestic violence and child marriage, raising awareness and advocating for legal and social changes to protect women and girls.

 • Role Models: Women in leadership positions serve as role models for young girls and women, inspiring them to aspire to leadership roles and pursue their ambitions.

• Example: The success stories of women leaders in states like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh have inspired many young women to engage in community service and leadership roles.

• Implementation of Women-Centric Policies: Women leaders are more likely to advocate for and implement policies that address women's issues, such as maternal health, female literacy, and women's safety.

• Example: In Odisha, women panchayat leaders have successfully implemented schemes aimed at improving maternal and child health, resulting in better health outcomes in their communities. Challenges:

• Patriarchal Norms and Attitudes: Despite legal provisions, traditional patriarchal attitudes persist, restricting women’s active participation and decision-making in local governance.

• In many rural areas, women sarpanches often face resistance from male members of their community, who may undermine their authority or refuse to cooperate.

• Societal Pressure and Family Responsibilities: Women leaders often struggle to balance their public responsibilities with domestic duties, due to societal expectations around gender roles.

According to a study by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), women representatives spend an average of 7-8 hours daily on household chores, limiting their time for governance activities.

• Lack of Education and Training: Lower literacy rates among women, especially in rural areas, hinder their ability to effectively participate in governance. The female literacy rate in rural India is 57.93%, compared to 77.15% for males (Census 2011).

 • Insufficient Training and Capacity Building: Many women representatives lack the necessary training and capacitybuilding opportunities to perform their roles effectively.

• In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, there are reports of women panchayat leaders relying heavily on male relatives to carry out their duties due to lack of adequate training.

• Tokenism and Proxy Representation: In some cases, women are elected as nominal leaders while male relatives (often husbands or fathers) exercise the actual power, a phenomenon known as ‘proxy representation’.

• In Rajasthan, the practice of 'Sarpanch Pati' (where husbands of elected women sarpanches wield power) is widely reported, undermining the spirit of women's empowerment.

• Political Violence and Intimidation: Women in politics often face threats, harassment, and violence, which deter them from fully engaging in their roles.

• According to a study by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), 23% of women in local governance reported experiencing violence or threats.

• Financial Dependence: Many women leaders lack independent financial resources, making them reliant on male family members, which can limit their autonomy and decision-making power.

• In Jharkhand, many women representatives depend on their husbands or fathers for financial support, affecting their ability to function independently. • Limited Access to Funds and Resources: Women leaders often have less access to development funds and resources, affecting their ability to implement projects and policies effectively.
• A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that women panchayat leaders in India receive significantly less financial and logistical support compared to their male counterparts.

• Inconsistent Implementation of Reservation Policies: While reservation policies exist, their implementation is inconsistent, and enforcement mechanisms are weak.

• In some states, seats reserved for women are often rotated, preventing women from building long-term political careers. Suggestions:

• Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks: Enact and strictly enforce laws that ensure women's representation is not merely nominal but effective. Introduce mechanisms to penalize the practice of proxy representation (e.g., 'Sarpanch Pati') and ensure that elected women leaders exercise their authority independently.

• Provide Comprehensive Training and Capacity Building

• Establish mandatory training programs for elected women representatives focusing on governance, legal literacy, financial management, and leadership skills. Partner with NGOs and academic institutions to deliver these programs.
• The government could initiate a nationwide campaign, similar to the "Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan," to train all newly elected women representatives within six months of their election.

 • Promote Public Awareness and Societal Attitude Change:

• Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms and promote the importance of women's leadership in local governance. Use media, educational institutions, and community programs to shift societal perceptions.
•  Implementing programs in schools and colleges to educate young people about gender equality and the role of women in leadership, alongside community engagement initiatives to sensitize older generations.

• Improve Infrastructure and Support Systems:

• Develop infrastructure that supports women's participation, such as creating childcare facilities near panchayat offices and ensuring safe and reliable transportation for women leaders.
• Establishing "Women Leadership Support Centers" at district levels to offer legal aid, counseling services, and safe transportation options for women representatives, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear or hindrance.