| The traditional institutions of local governance have not given space for women. Many of the factors that hindered women in the earlier system continue to exist and operate in rural areas. In fact gender as a phenomenon hardly ever appears in a pure form. It is almost always alloyed with caste, class and religious factors. Through the implementation of reservation in panchayats women have got an opportunity to raise their concerns and opinion in Gram sabha. Their experiences in the PRIs have also been varied and at times startling. Nevertheless, women in PRIs still lack the capacity and capability to raise voice against the various issues. The opportunities relating to raising issues and participating in decision-making process need to be strengthened by adequate training and capacity building. This may help these women representatives tide over the social and economic disadvantage and face male domination and bureaucratic apathy. |