Q 7(a). राजनीतिक विकेन्द्रीकरण की प्रक्रिया में स्थानीय शासन में महिलाओं की भागीदारी की बाधाओं को स्पष्ट कीजिए । (UPSC 2025,20 Marks,250 Words)

EN ह

राजनीतिक विकेंद्रीकरण का उद्देश्य स्थानीय शासन को सशक्त बनाना है, फिर भी सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक मानदंडों, शिक्षा की कमी और आर्थिक बाधाओं के कारण महिलाओं की भागीदारी सीमित रहती है। अमर्त्य सेन के अनुसार, महिलाओं की एजेंसी को बढ़ाना विकास के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है, लेकिन पारंपरिक लिंग भूमिकाएं अक्सर उनकी भागीदारी में बाधा डालती हैं। वर्ल्ड इकोनॉमिक फोरम यह उजागर करता है कि वैश्विक स्तर पर महिलाएं केवल 25% राजनीतिक पदों पर काबिज हैं, जो स्थानीय शासन संरचनाओं में समान प्रतिनिधित्व सुनिश्चित करने के लिए प्रणालीगत परिवर्तन की आवश्यकता को रेखांकित करता है। (Political decentralisation aims to empower local governance, yet women's participation remains limited due to socio-cultural norms, lack of education, and economic constraints. According to Amartya Sen, enhancing women's agency is crucial for development, but traditional gender roles often hinder their involvement. The World Economic Forum highlights that women hold only 25% of political positions globally, underscoring the need for systemic change to ensure equitable representation in local governance structures.)

 ● Socio-Cultural Barriers  
    Traditional gender roles and societal norms often restrict women's participation in governance. In many communities, women are expected to prioritize household responsibilities over public roles. This cultural mindset can discourage women from engaging in political activities. As former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, "Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls and boys. It is everyone’s responsibility."

  ● Lack of Education and Awareness  
    Education is a critical factor in empowering women to participate in governance. Many women, especially in rural areas, lack access to education, which limits their understanding of political processes and their rights. This lack of awareness can prevent them from effectively participating in local governance.

  ● Economic Dependence  
    Economic constraints can be a significant barrier to women's political participation. Many women are financially dependent on male family members, which can limit their ability to engage in political activities. Economic empowerment is crucial for women to have the autonomy to participate in governance.

  ● Political Environment and Representation  
    The political environment often lacks adequate representation of women, which can discourage their participation. Political parties may not prioritize women's issues or may not provide equal opportunities for women to contest elections. As a result, women may feel marginalized in political spaces.

  ● Legal and Institutional Barriers  
    In some regions, legal frameworks and institutional structures do not support or actively hinder women's participation in governance. This includes discriminatory laws or lack of enforcement of gender quotas. Ensuring legal support and institutional reforms is essential for enhancing women's political participation.

  ● Lack of Support Networks  
    Women often lack access to networks and mentorship opportunities that can support their political careers. Male-dominated political networks can exclude women, making it difficult for them to gain the necessary support and resources to succeed in governance roles.

  ● Violence and Intimidation  
    Women in politics may face violence and intimidation, which can deter them from participating in governance. This includes physical violence, threats, and harassment, both online and offline. Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for encouraging women's participation in local governance.

स्थानीय शासन में महिलाओं की भागीदारी कई बाधाओं का सामना करती है, जिनमें सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक मानदंड, पितृसत्तात्मक संरचनाएं, और संसाधनों और शिक्षा तक सीमित पहुंच शामिल हैं। ये बाधाएं उन्हें राजनीतिक प्रक्रियाओं में प्रभावी ढंग से शामिल होने की क्षमता को बाधित करती हैं। अंतर-संसदीय संघ के अनुसार, 2021 में वैश्विक स्तर पर महिलाओं के पास केवल 25.5% संसदीय सीटें थीं। भागीदारी को बढ़ाने के लिए, लिंग-संवेदनशील नीतियों और क्षमता निर्माण कार्यक्रमों के माध्यम से एक समावेशी वातावरण को बढ़ावा देना महत्वपूर्ण है। जैसा कि एलेनोर रूजवेल्ट ने एक बार कहा था, "भविष्य उन लोगों का है जो अपने सपनों की सुंदरता में विश्वास करते हैं।" (English Meaning: Women's participation in local governance faces several impediments, including socio-cultural norms, patriarchal structures, and limited access to resources and education. These barriers hinder their ability to engage effectively in political processes. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women held only 25.5% of parliamentary seats globally in 2021. To enhance participation, fostering an inclusive environment through gender-sensitive policies and capacity-building programs is crucial. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.")