Empowering the Margins: Tribal Women's Political Participation and Leadership in Scheduled Areas of India

Participation in democratic processes, decision-making, and political leadership has been a central agenda of women’s movements globally. In postcolonial countries like India, nation-building has been closely linked with women’s empowerment through the pursuit of economic, social, and political justice, where political participation and leadership play pivotal roles. To advance these objectives, India introduced legislative measures to promote women’s political engagement, such as the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which mandate seat reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies, enabling them to assume active decision-making roles at the grassroots level. However, patriarchal norms and cultural contexts often reduce women to "proxy representatives," with real power remaining in the hands of male relatives. These issues become even more complex in the context of India’s tribal communities, who reside in Scheduled Areas and are among the most marginalized and excluded from developmental processes. Women’s participation in local governance in these areas, protected under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) of 1996, is essential for the holistic development of these communities, particularly as they inhabit largely rural, forested, and often isolated regions where community ties anchor social and economic life. Women's involvement is also crucial for preserving local customs, traditions, and promoting environmental sustainability. Based on fieldwork conducted in the Central Indian state of Jharkhand, this paper examines the extent to which constitutional provisions have facilitated genuine political participation for women in Scheduled Areas. Through interviews with women representatives and village communities, it explores the gaps in women’s leadership at the local level and offers recommendations for enhancing their participation.