Political Perspectives of Adivasi Women: A Study of Piparbanda Village, Jharkhand

The experience of Jharkhand in Panchayati Raj System is different from other states as it was newly formed in the year 2000 with predominant tribal population under the fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution. It has contrast of changes in the governing system and different political reforms over the years. The state has experienced an active participation of women in the local governing bodies after the 73rd CAA and implementation of PESA. But Adivasi communities have lagged as a part of a larger democratic structure in political participation and representation. Additional, in case of Adivasi women the status is even showing less improvement with less involvement in the political sphere. It is against this backdrop the paper focuses on Adivasi women in the Panchayati Raj system in Jharkhand and its variegated manifestations and analyses women’s empowerment in the local governing systems. The study deals with Piparbanda Village, Ranchi. To understand the village settings, perspective of women in politics, accessibility to political structures, their understanding on the local democracy, and their status in the community the paper incorporates the Village Study Method and to comprehend the embedded role of intersectionality and marginality in the political structures. The key findings are that though the PESA law is fully implemented in the district, which was supposed to create a medium for the women from schedule areas to voice their difficulties has also not addressed the questions of participation and representation effectively.

The role of Adivasi women in the Panchayati system is necessary as they are the backbone of the community. The data found explains the women participation in the Panchayati systems but the involvement of women from Adivasi community is still not effectual. But with the help of the community and governing authorities Adivasi women can be empowered and strengthen the Adivasi communities.