Empowering Grassroots Women Leaders: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Gender-Inclusive Village Governance

Strengthening Women’s Role in Rural Political Leadership

Empowering Grassroots Women Leaders: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Gender-Inclusive Village Governance: In a progressive move to support gender-inclusive governance in rural India, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan. This national campaign is tailored to enhance the effectiveness of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Through a series of leadership training and capacity-building programs, the initiative aims to break the dominance of the “Mukhiya Pati” phenomenon, where male relatives unofficially assume control of women’s elected roles. By equipping WERs with necessary skills, the mission hopes to foster authentic female leadership in local governance.

Promoting Inclusive Governance Through Model Panchayats

As part of its commitment to gender-sensitive policy implementation, the government has also rolled out the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) scheme. This initiative proposes the identification and development of one model panchayat per district that ensures equal access, safety, and participation for women and girls in governance. These gram panchayats are designed to be benchmarks in promoting inclusive policies, setting a standard for other panchayats to emulate across the country.

Legal Literacy for Women Representatives

To further empower women at the grassroots level, the ministry has introduced a law awareness handbook focusing on critical issues such as domestic violence, dowry practices, child marriage, and workplace harassment. This legal primer serves as a vital tool for women leaders in understanding the protective frameworks available under Indian law. It enables them to address gender-based violence and harmful customs with informed authority in their local jurisdictions.

Growing Representation of Women in Local Governance

India is witnessing a significant rise in women’s participation in rural political institutions, with over 1.4 million women currently serving in PRIs. This transformation is especially visible in states like Bihar, which has crossed the 50% representation mark for women in panchayats, going beyond the 33% national reservation quota. These outcomes highlight the impact of sustained reforms and targeted empowerment programs that are shaping a more equitable rural leadership landscape.

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Empowering Grassroots Women Leaders: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Gender-Inclusive Village Governance: