An inspiring narrative in India’s political discourse is the ascent of women leadership from panchayats – India’s foundational democratic institutions – into state legislatures and even the national parliament. Affirmative action through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has opened a route for women leaders to rise up the political ladder from gram panchayats to higher tiers of panchayats or municipal bodies and to state assemblies and parliaments. Many women leaders have made use of this potential in promoting their political aspirations and advancing their political careers. How can more women leaders in panchayats prepare themselves for vertical mobility in their political career? What impact does it make on the choice of women in general in pursuing a career in politics? With currently 14.5 lakh women elected representatives leading panchayats and women competing successfully in general seats too showcasing their political acumen and ambition, these questions become pertinent for policies and initiatives leading up to full political participation and leadership of women at different levels of government.
Panchayats – A Training Ground for Leadership
In discharging their responsibilities as leaders at the grassroots level, women navigate patriarchal structures, face deeply entrenched conservative attitudes while also grappling with systemic challenges and gaining procedural knowledge. Issues of mobility, stereotypes, gendered division of labour and low awareness continue to be of concern for women in varying degrees in different places. Despite these difficulties, however, many women have come out of their shadows and inhibitions and developed skills in negotiation, managing conflict, allocating resources, managing personnel along with mobilizing communities. For women who aspire for higher political roles or looking to advance their career, these are critical lessons. Additionally, these learnings are inestimable assets that can even extend to other professional domains, if they choose to enter these at any point of time.
A question here then would be, how can this reservoir of experience be leveraged to propel women toward leadership in state legislatures, parliament, or other fields? Positive affirmation has created a critical mass of women leaders who are reshaping traditional power dynamics. Their ability to drive social and economic development in their communities—while overcoming systemic biases—demonstrates empowerment with far-reaching implications. Importantly, in the light of the passage of the women’s reservation bill, the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” providing one-third seats for women in Lok Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies and the Delhi Assembly, the experience of women in panchayats provides a compelling case for expanding such policies.
Enabling Vertical Mobility – Pathways to Higher Political Roles
For women aspiring to climb the political ladder while inspiring others to do so, strategic steps can maximize these opportunities shaped by their panchayat experience.
- Strengthening Robust Networks: Women often lack access to established political and social networks and resources. Even as they contest as a member in the local panchayat council many have to work from scratch to build a reservoir of networks and groups that can voice their support and offer backing to the contesting candidate. There are many examples from the field showing how community-based groups like self-help groups (SHGs), mahila mandals, and women’s collectives have proven instrumental in encouraging women and supporting them to contest elections. These networks can be harnessed to build a strong constituency base, offering a responsive, logistical, and financial support. Digital platforms can further amplify these efforts, connecting women with mentors and voters beyond their immediate communities.
- Cultivating political autonomy: While family support is crucial, a woman’s decision to pursue a political career must stem from her own choice and aspirations. Autonomy in decision-making empowers women to define their political journeys, ensuring that their commitment is driven by personal conviction rather than external pressures. This freedom provides them to take the road less travelled and initiate synergies with new stakeholders and entities which can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. Mentoring and capacity building:with the aid of NGOs, academic institutions and others, women panchayat leaders can access mentorship programs. This will connect them to experienced women leaders in public and political life. This can help demystify the political processes and enhance their confidence. Women leaders can also facilitate such programs for other interested women from their panchayat. Virtual mentorship platforms can make such support accessible, particularly for women in remote areas.
- Leveraging Technology: Social media and online campaigns can showcase women’s achievements, inspiring others and challenging societal norms. Digital training programs on campaign strategies, public speaking, and policy advocacy can equip women with the tools needed for higher governance roles.
Extending Impact: From Local Governance to National Leadership
In order to inspire political candidacy of women from various walks of life, the ripple effects of women’s leadership in panchayats need to be channelled to extend beyond the local government level.
- Cross-sectoral leadership platforms: Governments, corporates, media and NGOs/ think tanks that organize leadership summits and thematic round tables should organically integrate women political leaders from the local government level. This approach provides new insights and perspectives based on the grounded experience and local knowledge of women leaders. The platforms also enable the broader population to familiarize themselves with woman leadership at the panchayat levels. At the same time, for the women panchayat leaders, to be seated at the same table as other leaders from different sectors boosts confidence levels, promotes cross-learning and lays potential foundations for building linkages and networks.
- Nurturing a young generation of women leaders: Educational institutions can provide periodic inter-face for students, faculty and women panchayat leaders. This can not only enrich learning but also inspire students who may want to consider a career as a political leader. Internships or summer programs for students may be mutually explored.
- Supporting marginalized women: to foster a culture of women’s leadership across domains, critical targeted interventions are the need of the hour. Media communication and public campaigns highlighting strong and diverse women leadership in panchayats can shift societal perceptions, encouraging younger generations to challenge traditional gender roles. Women from marginalized communities, such as Dalits or tribal groups, face unique barriers. Tailored support, including mentorship programs, support for campaigning can ensure their inclusivity in the larger political process.
- Amplifying stories through media: to enhance visibility, inform societal and policy change as well as inspire others, the stories of leadership of women in panchayat need to be covered across the media landscape. News stories, in-depth profiles or articles in print and online platforms, documentaries and podcasts, radio and local community media can help reach a wider audience in this regard.
Strengthening women’s leadership in panchayats is an investment towards promoting inclusive and more effective political leadership at higher levels. As these women leaders ascend to state legislative assemblies and national parliament, they carry forward the experiences of grassroots governance and chart not just a path for individual advancement but also contribute as a transformative force for a more equitable and vibrant democracy.
— Dinoo Anna Mathew
Head, Programmes
Institute of Social Sciences New Delhi