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This paper examines the socio-cultural factors that hinder women's meaningful participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the region of western Odisha, India. Despite significant strides towards decentralized and democratic governance at the grassroots level, women's representation and involvement face various socio-cultural constraints. The study, conducted in four Gram Panchayats in western Odisha, utilizes primary data collected through Interview Schedules, Focused Group Discussions, and personal interviews, supported by relevant secondary data. The research findings indicate a significant disparity in women's participation in the decision-making process of the sample Panchayats. Women's plans and demands are often overlooked, with decision-making primarily dominated by Sarpanch, Word members, and male Panchayat members. Lady ward members rarely attend village affairs meetings, frequently delegating representation to their husbands, resulting in the silencing of women's voices. The paper identifies socio-cultural restrictions and taboos as key barriers to women's participation and suggests comprehensive efforts to challenge gender norms, provide education and awareness, promote inclusive decision-making, and establish support systems for active female participation in PRIs. Additionally, the application of micro social work practices is proposed to empower women for more inclusive participation in PRIs.

The present study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Evaluate the level of women's awareness regarding Panchayat activities and rural development programmes/schemes.

2. Analyze the socio-cultural factors that influence women's participation in Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha.

3. Assess the extent of women's participation in Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha conducted at the Gram Panchayat level.

4. Develop intervention strategies for social work practices that promote women's empowerment through their active participation in PRIs.

According to Joel and Bhore (2003), people's participation lies at the heart of development. While various elements such as money, resources, technology, and human capital contribute to development, human factors are the most crucial. Development should revolve around people, placing them at the center of human progress.Ahmed (1987) describes decentralization as a reform package, with people's participation being one of its core objectives. Within the context of Panchayati Raj Institutions, strengthening people's involvement in the Gram Sabha is vital for ensuring accountability of Panchayats and the overall system to the people (Vaddiraju, 2004).Cohen and Ulhoff (1977) suggest that participation encompasses the involvement of people throughout the entire decision-making process.A study by Afsar (1999) emphasizes the limited involvement of the poor in local development activities and the minimal engagement of the community in decision-making. Women, in particular, exhibit less interest in participating due to their views and opinions not being taken seriously, causing them to perceive it as a mere waste of time

Odisha, known for its high levels of poverty and seasonal migration, particularly in its western region, is considered one of the most backward and underprivileged states in India. Despite the implementation of various schemes and programmes, western Odisha continues to face marginalization and backwardness compared to the eastern part of the state. This study was conducted in four Gram Panchayats, located in Bargarh and Sambalpur districts. Two Gram Panchayats were purposively selected from each district. The primary respondents of the study were married women from the selected Panchayats, while the secondary respondents were male members of the sample households. Data were also collected from political representatives, including Sarpanchand Ward members, from the sample Panchayats in both districts. A total of ninety women were interviewed, with forty-five respondents from Bargarh district and forty-five from Sambalpur district. The women were selected from the voter list of the sample villages using a simple random sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through various methods, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), personal interviews, and informal meetings. Four FGDs were conducted among women respondents, with one FGD conducted in each Panchayat. Separate FGDs were also conducted among the husbands of the sample women to capture their perspectives on women's participation in PRIs. Personal interviews were conducted to gather the views and opinions of the husbands, particularly focusing on the dynamics of male perspectives towards women's participation. Special attention was given to collecting the voices of husbands of female political representatives (female ward members). Secondary data were collected from government officials, websites, and Panchayat offices. Initially, some women hesitated to participate in the research; however, with time, they began expressing their views and opinions freely after understanding the research objectives. Pseudonyms are used in the research paper to maintain confidentiality when analysing voice recordings.

People’s Participation                                     

Participation can be defined as the active involvement and inclusion of individuals in various economic, social, cultural, and political processes that have an impact on their lives. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, 1993), participation implies that people have a close and meaningful engagement in shaping and implementing development programs to enhance their well-being, whether in terms of income, personal growth, self-reliance, or other values that they prioritize. Cohen and Ulhoff (1977) suggest that participation encompasses the involvement of people throughout the entire decision-making process.

In the context of development literature, participation signifies the direct involvement of individuals in the decision-making processes that are likely to affect their lives. It entails the active engagement and contribution of people during all phases of a development project, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. According to ZubairMeenai (2008), the principle of participation is widely recognized as a fundamental right. The right to participate in public affairs implies that every person and all people are entitled to actively engage, contribute, and enjoy civil, economic, social, and political development.

Participation can be viewed from two perspectives:

Participation as a Process

 In this perspective, participation is seen as a process within a development program where local people are actively involved in the implementation of externally designed initiatives. It involves collaboration between external agencies and the local population, working together to implement development activities in a participatory manner. Participation, in this sense, serves as a means or instrument to implement a program and achieve the desired goals.

Participation as an End

In this perspective, participation is seen as a goal of policy initiatives, with the aim of empowering people to acquire skills, knowledge, and experience that enable them to take greater responsibility for their own development. This involves providing people with access to power and resources, creating opportunities that are self-sustaining and enable them to actively participate in decision-making processes. The goal is to enhance people's agency and autonomy in shaping their own development outcomes.

The present study places greater emphasis on the second perspective of participation, viewing it as an end in itself, specifically focusing on the empowerment of women through their active participation in local self-governance. The study analyzes the collected data and information within the context of women's empowerment, assuming that the level of women's participation in Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha is directly linked to their level of empowerment in the study area.

However, it is important to note that the scope of the present study extends beyond viewing participation solely as a means of empowerment. It also utilizes women's participation as a key attribute to analyze the state of governance at the Panchayat level in the study area. By examining women's participation, the study aims to gain insights into the existing governance practices and dynamics within the Panchayat system.

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Palli Sabha

The Orissa Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 establishes the formation of Palli Sabha, which represents a Ward within a Grama. When multiple contiguous villages constitute a Grama, the neighbouring villages will have their respective Palli Sabha. The Palli Sabha comprises all individuals registered in the electoral roll for the Assembly Constituency that pertains to the Palli Sabha's area. The Palli Sabha convenes annually in February.

The Ward Member of the respective Ward, for which the Palli Sabha is constituted, presides over the Palli Sabha. If there are multiple eligible individuals, the Grama Panchayat determines the order of preference for their selection. In the absence of an eligible person at the designated meeting time, the members present may elect a President from among themselves. The presence of the members at any Palli Sabha meeting constitutes a quorum, and the proceedings of the meeting are recorded and authenticated by the President.During its annual meeting in February, the Palli Sabha has the responsibility to provide recommendations to the Grama Panchayat regarding matters such as (a) development works and programs to be undertaken in the upcoming year and (b) the annual budget estimate submitted by the Grama Panchayat.

Gram Sabha

The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution introduced the concept of Gram Sabha or village assembly as a crucial part of decentralized governance. It established a three-tier structure of Panchayats, ranging from the village level to the district level. According to Article 243(b) of the Constitution, the Gram Sabha is defined as a body comprising individuals registered in the electoral rolls pertaining to a village within the jurisdiction of the Panchayat at the village level. Additionally, in clause (g), the term "village" refers to a village specified by the Governor through a public notification for the purpose of "Part IX: The Panchayats," which may also include a group of villages specified in such a manner.

The Gram Sabha serves as a platform that allows every eligible voter in the village to participate in local decision-making. It is a constitutional body composed of all individuals registered in the electoral rolls of a village Panchayat. Its primary function is to provide a political forum for villagers to come together, discuss common issues, understand the community's needs and aspirations, and contribute to the decision-making process. It also serves as a platform to review and evaluate the development and administrative actions taken by elected representatives, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the village Panchayat. The Gram Sabha is envisioned as a symbol of participatory and direct democracy, playing a vital role in providing valuable inputs to the Gram Panchayat for effective local governance.

Furthermore, the Gram Sabha is entrusted with the responsibility of acting as a watchdog, safeguarding the interests of the village communities by monitoring the functioning of the Gram Panchayat. It has the authority to address and discuss various developmental issues affecting the village and is duty-bound to deliberate on them during meetings to seek consensus among its members.

Findings

Functioning of Gram Sabha in the Sample Panchayats

In the observed sample Panchayats, it has been noted that both the Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha meetings are not consistently organized. Maintaining the required quorum and ensuring meaningful participation of women show inconsistencies. Siddiqui (1994) pointed out that the majority of individuals, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged, have limited or no opportunities to participate beyond the selection of their representatives. The Gram Sabha meetings, which are expected to be held at least twice a year in February and June, are often conducted without prior notice to the people. Consequently, many women are unable to participate in these meetings and contribute to the decision-making process.

A study by Afsar (1999) emphasizes the limited involvement of the poor in local development activities and the minimal engagement of the community in decision-making. Women, in particular, exhibit less interest in participating due to their views and opinions not being taken seriously, causing them to perceive it as a mere waste of time. Additionally, during the study, it was observed that the provision for women's participation in Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha is not effectively implemented. Even female ward members do not attend meetings regularly and are often asked to merely sign their names by their husbands or other male family members. Although women from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes may participate in Palli Sabha, their involvement. A respondent named Pallavi Bhoi says:

“I am elected as the Sarpanch of my Panchayat only with the support of my husband and family members. I am a lady and I have to take care of the family members and at the same time I have to finish many household chores. So occasionally I attend meetings and my husband takes care of the affairs”

The quoted statement reflects the perspective of a woman who shares her experience of being elected as the Sarpanch of her Panchayat with the support of her husband and family members. She mentions that as a woman, she also has responsibilities to take care of her family members and fulfil various household chores. Consequently, she is only able to attend meetings occasionally, while her husband takes care of the affairs in her absence.

This statement highlights the challenges faced by women in balancing their roles and responsibilities as both elected representatives and caretakers of their households. The woman's limited availability for attending meetings is influenced by societal expectations and gender roles assigned to women. It underscores the need for support mechanisms and strategies that enable women to effectively manage their dual roles and actively participate in the affairs of the Panchayat.

These findings highlight the significant lack of awareness among women in the study area regarding the functioning and importance of Gram Sabha and their roles within the Panchayat system.

 remains superficial, relegating them to the role of mere bystanders.

Participation of Women in PRIs

Indian villages are divided on caste and class basis. Gender plays an important role in the rural pockets of Odisha. Men have say in most of the decisions and women remain at the periphery.The principle of gender equality and protection of women’s rights has been receiving attention from the days of independence. (Sharma, 2011). However,Nanda (2006) reveals that in spite of having a constitution and the 73^rd amendment act which reinforces the equity and equality and social justice, women is insignificant and not into decision making in such bodies/ organizations. Similar trends are also found in the study area where women are the most marginalized section. The study reveals that women are not invited to Gram Sabha and PalliSabha. Palanithuri (1997) in a case study “NewPanchayati Raj System at Work: An evaluation of Tamilnadu” reported that they were not informed on invited to the meetings in male headed Gram Panchayat. When focused group discussions are organized with women of the sample Panchayats it is found that a few women hesitate to participate in the meeting as the elder male members of the village remain present in the meeting but a significant number of women have an interest to participate in the meeting but their wish is suppressed by the male members of the family.Nambiar(2001) in her study of “Making the Gram Sabha Work” noted the difference utilities in organizing the gram Sabha. Majority of women reported that they were not informed or invited to the meetings, while other were hesitant in participating in meetings in the presence of a large number of elder members.Biswal (2020) The socio-cultural background of the individuals and the values of the particular society also play a seminal role in enabling and providing appropriate opportunities to the women to take part in the important phenomena of the society. Creating greater awareness among both women and men is also essential at the same time to bring attitudinal change among the male members of the society towards the women. During the study only 8 (8.88%) women mentioned that they participate regularly in the Panchayat meetings. Another 14 (15.55%) women participate seldom participate in the meetings of the Panchayat while a large 68 (75.55%) women never participate in the Panchayat meetings.

 

Source: Fieldwork

The socio-cultural practices also become a constraint for women to participate in the meetings. The image of women going and sitting in the middle of the village among the male members in case of PalliSabha and in the Panchayat office among the male members of different villages in case of Gram Sabha is not quite an acceptable behavior. It is considered to be a sense of disrespect to the male members of the family and disgrace to the family and hence a form of deviant behavior. Thus, hardly a woman dares to participate in the meetings. However, the strong desire to participate in the meeting is expressed by one of the female respondents Mrs. TejaswiniSahuwho says:

“Whenever I come to know about a PalliSabha being organized in the village, I feel like going and sitting there. I have many things to speak about my village but I dare not to participate.”

The quoted statement reflects the perspective of a woman in the village who expresses her desire to participate in the Palli Sabha but faces resistance from her husband. She mentions that whenever she becomes aware of a Palli Sabha being organized, she feels inclined to attend and share her thoughts about the village. However, she feels hesitant and reluctant to participate due to the societal norms and expectations placed on women.She discloses that she has discussed her desire to participate with her husband, but he disapproves and questions her about the absence of women from their village participating in such meetings. He raises concerns about how her participation would be perceived by others in the community and the potential consequences for their family's reputation. As a result, she remains silent and refrains from actively engaging in the Palli Sabha.

This excerpt highlights the challenges and social pressures faced by women in rural communities when it comes to their participation in decision-making processes. Cultural norms and gender roles often restrict women's agency and discourage their active involvement in public forums.

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Women mention during the study that though they hardly participate in Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha, their participation is high in public meetings during electoral campaign. Many women travel to the meeting place from each of the sample villages to participate during such electoral campaign. Rohini Bhoi says

“I do not know what is Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha but I participate in the meetings during election because a large number of women go together to the meeting and so also, I go with them.”

The quoted statement reflects the perspective of a woman who admits to not knowing what Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha are, but she participates in the meetings during elections. She mentions that she joins the meetings because many other women also attend, and she goes along with them. This statement highlights a situation where the woman's participation in the meetings is primarily influenced by the collective presence of other women rather than a personal understanding of the purpose or significance of Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha. It suggests that her involvement is more driven by the social dynamics and group dynamics during election-related events rather than a clear understanding of the decision-making processes or objectives of these meetings. This scenario underscores the need for greater awareness and education about the roles and functions of Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha, ensuring that women have a deeper understanding of their significance beyond the context of elections.

Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Women’s Participation in PRIs

There are several factors that influence the level of women's participation in the sample Panchayats. One significant factor is the lack of awareness among women about the importance of participating in Gram Sabha meetings, which contributes to their apathy towards involvement. Khan (2009) identifies bureaucratic domination in local councils, lack of knowledge, and limited expertise in technical matters as root causes of non-participation. Local elites often collude with the local administration to prioritize their own interests, neglecting the needs of the masses. As a result, participation in Panchayats tends to be limited to the affluent, while the rural poor have minimal representation.

Common factors influencing participation include migration, awareness levels among the population, family income standards, education levels, cultural practices, and the dissemination of information. Seasonal migration for livelihood opportunities is a prevalent phenomenon in Bargarh district. People heavily migrate to other states during lean periods, and there is also migration within the district from non-irrigated to irrigated areas. Consequently, women are deprived of participating in meetings during such periods. Many women report non-participation due to a lack of awareness about the meetings. The study also reveals that women are unaware of the importance of Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha. Additionally, Panchayat officials fail to effectively communicate information about meeting dates and locations. Since the sampled women come from lower economic backgrounds, mostly working as farmers and wage laborers, they prioritize their work over attending morning meetings, as they return from work in the afternoon.

Socio-cultural factors in the study area further restrict women's participation in Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha. The presence of women alongside elder family members during these meetings is deemed unacceptable by villagers in the sample area. The cultural practices and norms discourage women from participating in Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha. The idea of a woman sitting among men in the center of the village is perceived as unacceptable. Thus, cultural practices heavily influence women's participation levels in Panchayati Raj Institutions at the grassroots level.

The study also reveals that some women are dissatisfied with the work of Panchayat officials. They report that discussions and decisions made in Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha are not implemented. Research by Kosecik and Sagbas (2004) indicates a relationship between citizens' attitudes toward local government and their level of participation in local government affairs. Stevenson (2007) found that individuals with a positive attitude toward local government are more likely to engage in local governance. Ledingham (2001) suggests that citizens are inclined to participate in local government when they perceive that it provides benefits, acts in the best interest of the community, and allocates resources to address citizens' concerns. Citizens expect a mutually beneficial interaction with local government and seek a balance between the social costs of engaging with the government. For relationships between people and local government to be effective, they need to be perceived as mutually beneficial and based on mutual interest.Top of FormBottom of Form

Gender Roles and Stereotypes

Deep-rooted gender roles and stereotypes prescribe certain expectations and limitations for women in the sample community. These stereotypes often view women as caregivers and restrict their participation in public and political spheres, including Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

 Patriarchal Norms

Societies with strong patriarchal norms tend to prioritize male leadership and decision-making. These normscreate significant barriers for women aspiring to participate in PRIs, as they face resistance, discrimination, and limited support from their communities. Women's restricted mobility due to cultural norms and safety concerns can hinder their active participation in PRIs. Traditional expectations may confine women to their homes, limiting their access to training, meetings, and interaction with other PRI members.

Lack of Education and Awareness

Limited access to quality education and low levels of awareness about political processes and rights impede women's participation in PRIs. Educational disparities undermine their confidence, skills, and understanding of governance, making it difficult for them to effectively contribute.

“I used to visualise myself as the Sarpanch of our Panchayat since childhood. But my dream remains a distant dream as I could not go for upper classes due to lack of support from my family and how can I contest in the panchayat with low education.”

The statement from the respondent highlights her childhood dream of becoming the Sarpanch of her Panchayat, a position of leadership in their local community. However, several challenges stand in the way of realizing this dream.

 Social Stigma and Opposition

Women who challenge societal norms by participating in PRIs face social stigma, criticism, and opposition. This discourages potential candidates from entering politics and result in self-exclusion due to fear of social isolation or reputation damage. During the focus group discussion, the women shared that attending village meetings where male members of the villages are also there bring bad reputation for the family. If at all any women is interested to go and participate then she is discouraged by the family members. A respondent named janakabhoi says:

“You see, it is not the trend of our community to attend meetings with the male members of the family. When my husband and his elder brother are there in the meeting, how can I sit among them and attend the Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha. It does not look nice to me.”

The statement from the respondent, Janaka Bhoi, highlights the societal challenges and gender norms that discourage women from participating in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and political activities. She mentions that women who challenge societal norms by attending meetings with male family members face social stigma, criticism, and opposition. This reflects the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset and gender biases prevalent in the community. Such stigma can discourage women from actively participating in political activities, fearing social isolation or damage to their reputation. The respondent expresses concern that attending village meetings alongside male family members may lead to a bad reputation for the family. This fear of social isolation and reputation damage can deter women from engaging in political activities, as they prioritize maintaining the family's honor.This highlights the gendered cultural norms and expectations that restrict women's participation in public forums and decision-making processes. Such norms perpetuate gender inequalities and limit women's access to political spaces.

The challenges identified by Janaka Bhoi reflect the need for broader societal change to overcome gender biases and promote gender equality in political participation. Addressing these issues requires community-level interventions, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts to challenge gender norms, educate community members about the importance of women's participation, and foster a supportive environment for women in politics.

Lack of Support Structures

Inadequate support structures, such as childcare facilities and networks pose challenges for women seeking to balance their familial responsibilities with PRI participation. The absence of supportive policies and resources further restricts their ability to actively engage in PRIs. The lady wards members share their experience of facing difficulties in balancing the household chores and their involvement in PRIs activities.  Mousumi Padhan says

“I am elected as the ward member of my village but I seldom attend meetings both in the village and in the Panchayat Office. Most of the time my husband attends meetings on behalf of me as I have to cook and take care of my two daughters.”

The statement from the respondent highlights the challenges faced by women who are elected as ward members in their village, but are unable to actively participate in meetings due to household responsibilities and childcare duties. The respondent mentions that she is unable to attend meetings regularly because she has to prioritize cooking and taking care of her two daughters. This reflects the gendered division of labor in many societies, where women are expected to shoulder the majority of household responsibilities and childcare duties. These responsibilities often limit their ability to engage fully in public and political activities. The respondent's commitment to her household duties and childcare responsibilities leaves her with limited time to attend meetings. This highlights the competing demands and priorities that women face, which can make it challenging for them to dedicate time to their elected roles. Balancing family responsibilities with political commitments becomes a significant barrier for women in active participation. The respondent mentions that her husband attends meetings on her behalf. While this may seem like a practical solution to ensure representation, it perpetuates the assumption that men are more suitable or available for political participation, while women's role is limited to domestic affairs. It is crucial to challenge these gender norms and encourage equal participation and shared responsibilities within households.

Imperative For Social Work Practice

Social work with women is a specialized field that focuses on addressing the unique challenges, needs, and empowerment of women across various contexts. It encompasses a range of interventions aimed at promoting gender equality, empowering women, and addressing issues related to discrimination, violence, social injustice, and inequality. Social workers can play a crucial role in addressing the constraints on women's participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and promoting gender equality. Social workers working with women should be guided by principles of social justice, human rights, and empowerment. Social workers should strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for women to share their experiences, identify their strengths, and work towards achieving their goals. By addressing the unique socio-cultural challenges faced by women in the study area, social workers can contributeto building a more equitable, inclusive, and gender-just society.

When addressing the socio-cultural constraints of women issues, social workers can employ various methods of practice based on the specific context and needs of the individuals and communities they serve. Some social work practice that can be effective in addressing these issues have been discussed below.

Case Work

 Casework with women of the community in general and with the elected women can provide a safe and confidential space for women to explore their experiences, emotions, and challenges. Social workers can utilize various therapeutic approaches to help women build resilience, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal empowerment.

Group Work

Group interventions bring together women who share similar experiences or face common challenges in the study area. Social group workers can facilitate group discussions, support networks, and skill-building sessions to foster mutual support, empowerment, and collective problem-solving.

Community Organisation

Social workers can be engaged with communities to understand their needs, build partnerships, and mobilize resources. They can facilitate community development initiatives, encourage active participation, and empower women to take leadership roles in addressing community concerns.

Capacity Building and Skills Training

 Social workerscan provide capacity-building programs and skills training to enhance women's knowledge regarding PRIs, abilities, and self-confidence. This can include workshops on leadership, communication, financial literacy, legal rights, and vocational training to promote economic empowerment.

Crisis Intervention

Social workers can respond to immediate crises and emergencies in the study area such as cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking. They can provide safety planning, connect survivors with appropriate services, and support their journey towards healing and recovery.

Research and Evaluation

Social workers can conduct research and evaluation to better understand the socio-cultural barriers faced by women and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Research findings help shape evidence-based practices, inform policy development, and drive continuous improvement in social work interventions. Social workers can advocate for policy reforms, gender-responsive initiatives, and targeted interventions to promote women's participation and influence in PRIs.

Networking and Collaboration

Social workers can facilitate networking opportunities for women within PRIs, connecting them with other women leaders, experts, and organizations. By creating supportive networks, social workers can enable knowledge-sharing, solidarity, and collective action among women in PRIs.

Policy Development and Implementation

Social workers can actively engage in policy development processes, ensuring that gender equality and women's empowerment are integral components of PRI policies and programs. They can also monitor the implementation of gender-responsive policies to address gaps and barriers effectively.

By fulfilling these roles, social workers contribute to the broader goal of creating an inclusive and equitable society where women have equal opportunities and meaningful participation in PRIs. Their expertise, advocacy, and support are essential in challenging sociocultural constraints, promoting gender equality, and empowering women to actively contribute to local governance.

It is important to note that a combination of these methods can be utilized in a holistic and integrated approach. Social Workers should select method depending on the specific needs, strengths, and goals of the individuals and communities being served. Social workers must tailor their practices to the cultural context, maintain cultural sensitivity, and work collaboratively with women to ensure their voices and choices are respected throughout the process.

The sociocultural constraints on women's participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) pose significant challenges to their meaningful involvement in local governance. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms, gender stereotypes, limited mobility, lack of education and awareness, unequal resource distribution, social stigma, resistance, and the absence of a supportive ecosystem collectively hinder women's active engagement in PRIs.Efforts to address these constraints have been made through awareness campaigns, gender sensitization programs, reservations for women in PRIs, and capacity-building initiatives. These interventions aim to empower women, challenge gender norms, and create a more inclusive and enabling environment for their participation. However, overcoming these sociocultural barriers requires sustained commitment and collaboration from multiple stakeholders. Policymakers, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals must work together to dismantle patriarchal structures, promote women's education, provide necessary infrastructure, and foster an inclusive ecosystem that supports and encourages women's involvement in PRIs.By addressing these constraints, women can contribute their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to local governance, leading to more inclusive decision-making processes and holistic development at the grassroots level. Achieving gender parity and empowering women in PRIs will not only promote gender equality but also strengthen democracy and foster sustainable development in India.

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