International Research Journal of Education and Technology

An assessment of women's political participation is crucial for any discussion on gender equality. Throughout history, women have predominantly engaged in non-conventional politics, participating in independence movements, social movements, and feminist causes. However, their involvement in mainstream electoral politics has remained disproportionately low, limiting their access to political leadership roles. Various factors contribute to this inadequate participation, including patriarchal and cultural constraints, the criminalization of politics, financial challenges, the high cost of entering electoral politics, and the low social esteem associated with female political involvement.

The socio-cultural context heavily influences women's political participation. The shift from women's development to empowerment began in 1991 with economic liberalization and meritocracy, fostering women's self-reliance. The 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act played a pivotal role in promoting gender equality at the grassroots level. Nevertheless, there is still a need for collaborative efforts from non-governmental and feminist organizations to advocate for the political empowerment of women. Mere legal rights are insufficient; there is a demand for political parties and society to actively support the grooming and training of women, enhancing their political skills and building female social capital conducive to electoral success.

While economic liberalization opened doors for women's empowerment, both the State and political parties have fallen short in mobilizing support for women's empowerment in society. The reservation of seats in parliament can serve as an initial boost to enhance women's representation. However, dismantling social and psychological barriers to increased political participation requires collaborative efforts between the State and society.

Keywords: Political Participation, Empowerment, Liberalization, Mobilizing