2025, Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part C

This study examines the socio-political status of women Sarpanch in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, with a focus on their experiences, aspirations, and the impact of reservation policies on their representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Given Rajasthan's patriarchal social fabric, the research investigates the empowerment of women representatives, particularly their role in decision-making and the influence of socio-economic factors on their political status. A pilot study was conducted in four Panchayat Samitis of Sikar district, namely, Dodh (32), Khandela (26), Fatehpur (21) and Lakshmangarh (21) with highest number of women Sarpanch. Respondents were selected through census method. In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents through semi-structured interview schedule with both closed and open-ended questions. Mixed method approach was adopted for data analysis. The findings reveal a significant increase in the number of women Sarpanch in the district, facilitated by the reservation policy. The majority of these representatives belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, with 65% being literate and 25% having completed high school education. However, despite these gains in representation, the study highlights the challenges faced by women Sarpanch in asserting their authority. About 70% of respondents reported relying on their husbands or sons for decisions related to local development, reflecting the continuing dominance of patriarchal norms. Political liaising, a critical aspect of governance, is also predominantly managed by male family members, limiting the autonomy of the women Sarpanch. Gender-based discrimination remains a significant challenge, with many women reporting not being taken seriously by male colleagues, government officials, or even villagers. Despite holding the title of Sarpanch, their voices often carry less weight in decision-making processes compared to their male counterparts. This marginalization highlights the gap between formal representation and substantive empowerment. On the other hand, 54 % women Sarpanch view themselves as role models for other women in their communities, inspiring them to pursue education, financial independence, and leadership roles. Nearly 68% of the women come from financially stable families, suggesting that economic security influences access to political opportunities. However, their empowerment is largely symbolic, as socio-cultural barriers continue to restrict their autonomy. The study concludes that while the reservation policy has successfully increased the number of women in leadership positions, it has not fully translated into genuine empowerment or equal participation in governance. Policy implications include capacity-building initiatives for women leaders, community sensitization to reduce gender bias, and institutional mechanisms to support independent decision-making. These measures are critical to bridging the gap between numerical representation and substantive empowerment, ultimately fostering gender-equitable governance in Rajasthan.