On the occasion of International Women’s Day, CIRDAP organized a webinar titled “ENHANCING WOMEN’s POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN INDIA THROUGH MAHILA SABHAs (Women’s Forums)”. Dr. N.V. Madhuri, Head, Centre for Gender Studies and Development (CGSD), National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad was graced the occasion as speaker.

NIRDPR with the support of UNICEF initiated the project to identify the priorities of Women & Children through the Mahila Sabhas and Bal Sabhas’ and integrate their priorities into Local government level planning. For sustainable economic and social development of any country, it is necessary that people participate in the political process. The 73rd constitutional Amendment Act (1992) in India created space for women in political participation and decision-making at the grass root level by providing that 1/3rd of the seats would be reserved for women in Local Governments all over the country. This paved the way for more women to get elected for leadership positions in the local governments.

Effective performance by the women elected representatives delivers positive results, benefiting both the providers (representatives) and the beneficiaries (the community). In order to give voice to women and children at the level of grassroots’ democracy, the Ministry of Local Governance has urged provincial governments to convene separate Mahila Sabhas( Women’s Forums) to ensure enhanced Village Panchayats focus in the welfare of women and children.

To check out the presentations, please click the link below
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