Beyond Tokenism: Evaluating the Transformative Effects of Gender Quotas in Bihar's Local Governance Structures.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 formalized Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) within India's Constitution, revitalizing local governance and mandating political representation for historically marginalized groups, including women. In 2006, Bihar's government enacted the Bihar Panchayat Raj Ordinance, instituting a 50% reservation for women in local governance, thereby advancing gender parity in political representation. This study examines the efficacy of this policy intervention in fostering substantive changes in the political engagement, social networks, and personal agency of women elected to local office in Bihar. It critically assesses how increased political participation has facilitated the expansion of women's social capital and their integration into local power structures. The research conceptualizes empowerment through four key dimensions: political interest, social engagement and networks, understanding of gender equality, control over surroundings, and corporeal agency.

Methodologically, the study is grounded in fieldwork conducted in Bihar, comprising unstructured interviews with 40 women who have been elected to office multiple times. The sample is stratified to include equal representation from various caste backgrounds: General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), and Scheduled Castes (SC). By analyzing the interplay between gender quotas and the lived experiences of women in governance, this paper aims to elucidate the broader implications of political representation for women's empowerment. It contributes to the scholarly discourse on the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in addressing deep-rooted social inequalities and transforming local political landscapes.