Local Governance: History of Panchayati Raj System and women in PRIs

Abstract

Women are one of the biggest assets in our society. Women are perfectionists and have power to create, nurture and transform. Women’s education, marital status, family structure and political affiliation of family affect their participation. Women are becoming more active and responsible in their duties outside the home. Still, they need more active participation to achieve democracy at grass root level. It is, undoubtedly, as much a challenge as it is a welcome change. Political Participation simply means participation or involvement in political activities. The development of society will be incomplete without the contribution of women. They are one of the most important part of the society by constituting half of the population. Women have to be active participants in administrative responsibilities and take leadership roles. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have opened the door of opportunities for women at various fronts. Through their active participation in these institutions, they are showing their decision-making capabilities in the field of comprehensive development of rural society viz. financial, cultural, social and educational development etc. This Paper will discuss about the history of Local governance, the role of women in politics and their behaviour in Politics by focusing on how PRIs is a tool to uplift the women in all the sphere of their lives. This paper includes primary and secondary data in descriptive methods.