“PANCHAYAT WOMEN – LEADERSHIP ROLE AND DIFFICULTIES”

Women in India have lesser opportunities of public influence or for entering politics. The women's wings of political parties may have given visibility to women in the form of a platform for participation rather than integrating them into central power structures. Panchayat women leaders have been especially active in bringing education to their villages. Equal treatment to women in political life, to be meaningful and effective should start from the grassroots level. Many women politicians find it difficult to participate in an effective manner in politics. Domestic responsibilities, lack of financial clout, growing criminalization of politics and the threat of character assassination have made it increasingly difficult for women to be part of the political framework.