Women’s Experience in New Panchayats: The Emerging Leadership of Rural Women

This paper presents some of the findings of our recent study on women’s representation and participation in panchayats. Some of the findings of the study (Buch; 1999) of women in panchayats after the amendment in 1992 mandating a minimum one-third representation to women in all panchayats in the country is discussed. The study captures their experience and impact in three northern states of MP, Rajasthan and UP. The study explores various aspects, including the newly elected women’s socio- economic profile, motivation to enter these institutions, awareness and knowledge, participation, performance, constraints, aspirations, supports of various social institutions and the community members’ perception about their impact and performance. [CWDS OP].