Political Participation of Women in India

Political participation is the hallmark of a democratic setup. Nature, success and effectiveness of democracy largely depend on the extent to which equal, effective and actual participation is provided by the system to all its citizens. As women comprise about half of the population, this section of society requires due attention in the system and a due share in process. Political participation of women has gained momentum in India as gender mainstreaming in political institutions has been supported by political activists. This book gives a view of democratic decentralization in India, women empowerment through participation of women in political institutions in India, profile of women representatives of local governments as well as analysis of political participation of women in local governments and their perception regarding democratic decentralization and women empowerment in special context to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India.