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Elected women members of local self-government bodies, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India and similar bodies globally, have played a pivotal role in increasing political participation and representation of women. However, despite legal mandates and affirmative action policies that ensure their inclusion, numerous constraints continue to limit their performance and effectiveness in governance. These constraints are both systemic and social, and they operate at various levels, ranging from institutional design to deep-rooted patriarchal norms. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of the global and local factors affecting women's participation in local self-governance. One of the foremost constraints is the pervasive influence of patriarchy, which manifests in both subtle and overt forms. Even after being elected, many women face resistance from male colleagues, local elites, and even family members who do not accept female leadership. Often, elected women are reduced to the role of "proxies" for their husbands or male relatives, who take decisions on their behalf. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Sarpanch Pati” in the Indian context, indicates how male family members exercise de facto authority despite the woman holding the official post. Consequently, women are prevented from developing the confidence and agency necessary for effective leadership. Lack of education and awareness also significantly hampers the capacity of elected women representatives. In many regions, especially rural and underdeveloped areas, women are elected with minimal formal education. This limits their ability to understand government procedures, interpret budgets, read official documents, or participate in policy formulation. Moreover, a lack of awareness about their legal rights and the scope of their responsibilities weakens their role in governance. Even when training programs are offered, they are often irregular, poorly designed, or ________ _______ _______ _________ ________ _____ _____ ________ ________ _____ __________.
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