Empowering Rural Women for Environmental Governance: The Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Rajouri District

Abstract

Women’s participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) represents a significant step toward realizing the true essence of independence and empowerment. While women's involvement in politics and local administration is not a new phenomenon, what sets the post-73rd Amendment era apart is the constitutional provision for their universal and reserved representation in PRIs. This move extends beyond the earlier token representation of one or two government-nominated women. The term ‘empowerment’ is referred to as a system of increasing spiritual, political, social and economic strength of individuals and communities. The empowerment of women has become prime issue of national and international aspects. Women empowerment means a process of creating an environment where women can think and grow independently and be treated equally in socio-economic and political field. Active political participation is a significant and influential matters of empowering women through which women can enter into the core of governmental system and take part in the decision-making process. Emphasis has been placed on the political empowerment of women from the international, national and regional levels. The issue of women’s political participation is now receiving central concern of the legislatures of different nations and the international organizations. Various schemes, plans and laws have been made for bringing women in the mainstream of the society and erasing related discriminations and oppression against women. Women’s participation in local self-governance is widely regarded as a means to enhance their political empowerment at the grassroots level. However, experience suggests a different reality, as the persistence of patriarchy and male dominance within political parties and institutions often limits their actual influence. Despite being elected to positions of power, women’s participation frequently remains symbolic. In many cases, elected women are controlled by their political party leaders or husbands, with some even being recognized by their husbands’ names rather than their own. Overall, women’s roles in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) often remain nominal, serving as proxies for their husbands or other dominant groups. To meet the objectives, a research study was designed to generate data on the subject using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches seek to observe, gather, and analyze data for exploration. The research employs both historical and comparative methodologies to provide a holistic approach. An empirical investigation using an interview schedule will augment the theoretical understanding. This research is empirical and relies on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were gathered via fieldwork. The Secondary data were sourced from official documents, specifically through the official web portals of the Ministry of Rural Development Government of India, District and Block Development Offices, and village Panchayat Offices. Additionally, pertinent information has been sourced from the Economic Survey of the Government of India, the Statistics from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, numerous studies and reports conducted by researchers in the domain, Yearly reports from the Department of Rural Development, reports from various rural development organizations, as well as an array of books, articles, journals, government publications, newspapers, research papers, and other documents pertinent to the research topic. Respondents must be chosen by using a multi-stage random sampling methodology. Multi-stage sampling methodology should be employed to ascertain the target population. Using a multi-stage sampling method, the researcher selected 87 elected women representatives from Rajouri district. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the participants using a structured interview schedule. The findings of this study include lack of information, lack of active engagement, lack of knowledge about power, male intervention is a key obstacle that prevents women from functionally effectively operating inside PRIs.