Abstract

Women’s political participation is essential for democratic inclusiveness and gender justice. In India, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992–93) marked a historic milestone by institutionalizing decentralized governance and mandating not less than one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Several states later increased this reservation to 50%, making India home to the largest number of elected women representatives in the world. This research paper critically examines the constitutional framework, extent of participation, socio-economic determinants, challenges, and governance outcomes associated with women’s political participation at the grassroots level. The study argues that while reservation has ensured descriptive representation, substantive empowerment depends on education, economic independence, institutional support, and transformation of patriarchal social structures. The paper concludes that constitutional reservation has significantly deepened grassroots democracy but requires complementary reforms for sustained gender empowerment.