From Reservation to Representation: Women's Political Participation in Madurai Corporation

Abstract

Women's political representation in urban local governance has emerged as a significant indicator of democratic decentralization and inclusive development in India. The implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment and the reservation policy for women in Urban Local Bodies has substantially increased women's numerical representation. However, questions remain regarding the extent of their effective participation in governance and decision-making. This study examines the representation and participation of women councillors in the Madurai City Municipal Corporation, Tamil Nadu. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through interviews with elected women representatives, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, election records, official publications, and relevant scholarly literature. The study analyses the role of women councillors in local administration, their participation in policy formulation and implementation, and the challenges they encounter in exercising leadership. The findings reveal that reservation has significantly enhanced women's political participation and visibility in urban governance. Nevertheless, several structural and socio-cultural barriers, including patriarchal attitudes, limited decision-making autonomy, inadequate political experience, and insufficient institutional support, continue to constrain their effective functioning. The study concludes that while political reservation has improved women's access to elected office, sustained capacity-building initiatives, leadership development programmes, and institutional reforms are essential to transform descriptive representation into substantive political empowerment. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on gender-inclusive governance and democratic decentralization in India.