Women in the Grassroots Governance of Goa

This study examines political participation of women leaders in Goa. The importance of this chapter arises in the context of inequality among genders for centuries, leading to discrimination and subordination. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts were an important step towards setting up a decentralised political system in which gender quotas were introduced to provide representation and decision-making powers to women in the decentralised governance. Yet, women leaders today lack the space that is required in decentralised governance. This study therefore examines the political background of women leaders in Panchayats in Goa, giving importance to decision-making authority and factors that influenced their entry into politics. It also discusses the issue of women as proxy leaders in the background of Goa’s unique colonial history. Further, it elaborates the connection between gender development index and women leadership in panchayats.