Women Ward Members in Urban Local Bodies of Andhra Pradesh: A Study of Factors Contributing or Hindering their Entry and Engagement

Abstract

Women account for half of the world’s population, but their role in decision-making is stilla debate with many dimensions. Expressly in politics and more particularly in local politics the participation of women is a storyof many bottlenecks. Despite the reservations bestowed for the women in the local bodies, aspiration, encouragement, and participation is a story that still suffers hiccups. The present paper presents the story of factors contributing to or other ways hindering the entry and engagement of women political executives in the urban local bodies of Andhra Pradesh. It highlights why and how women from politically affluent families can dive into political positions and acquire winnability while women find it difficult to take politics as their profession. The paper also highlights the case studies of how women can evolve as leaders and decision-makers while being part of regular political activities along with their family members which is an added advantage.