Page 283 - PDI Vol 2

About the Theme
This is an important theme that focuses on achieving gender Women’s participation in Gram Sabhas would augment the
equality, provide equal opportunities, empower women and efficacy of Panchayats. In order to give voice to women at the
girls in a safe environment. Gender equality is a fundamental level of grassroots’ democracy, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
human right and inevitable for a peaceful and sustainable future. has urged State governments to convene separate Mahila
The exclusion of women places half of the world’s population Sabhas or women assemblies for the female electorate in the
outside the realm of opportunity to partner in building Panchayat. The objective is to include women’s issues in Gram
prosperous societies and economies. Indian Constitution Sabha resolutions especially those issues affecting girls and
envisages a discrimination-free nation based on sex, race and women. By organizing the Mahila Sabhas, the putting forward
caste. It also guarantees women equal access to education, of problems pertaining to women, the women Self Help Groups
decent work, and representation in political and economic in States involvement to interact on issues for raising
decision-making processes. These rights are vital to democracy, educational standards, addressing water and sanitation
benefit humanity at large and lead to a fairer world. Without problems, safety and security - areas which were generally not
ensuring gender equality and equal rights for women, safety and discussed by men, would be possible. Gram Panchayat should
security, social and developmental disparities cannot be take initiative and ensure wider participation of women in Gram
eliminated. This theme focuses on ending all kinds of Sabha by active propagation through women Self-help groups
discrimination, improving their inclusion and participation in and village Community Based Organisations (CBOs). This can
different areas leading to financial, social and economic be taken up with the assistance of women ward members and
empowerment. It looks at a Life Cycle Approach to ensure other members. The hesitancy in the coming together of the
engendered development. It provides various indicators that PRIs with the SHGs in GP is seen to be either that women
enable a GP to look at these multiple angles and dimensions to empowered will raise questions or the SHG movement
women empowerment and gender equality as essential for notwithstanding it is impeded, largely, by social customs and
development in Panchayat. traditions. Also, guidelines non-translation into action for

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Theme 9: Women Friendly Panchayat