Political participation of women in gram panchayat election in Odisha: A case study of Tihidi block in Bhadrak district

Abstract

The present study on political participation and empowerment of women is an endeavour to learn in the Panchayati Raj Institution. PRIs have long been considered for promoting good governance, and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment was introduced to ensure better governance and political representation for marginalised societies, including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as well as women. This study investigates 120 women respondents from four Gram Panchayats in the Tihidi block of Bhadrak district, Odisha. The study's findings suggest that the level of political participation by women in panchayats is unsatisfactory. Some of the respondents are not aware of the politics. The parochial culture, low level of education, and patriarchal society are primarily responsible for their backwardness.