Women Empowerment and the Power Politics: A Feminist Perspective of the Contemporary Indian Scenario

Abstract

Gender equality, as always prevails to be a serious discussion topic in every sector of human existence. Though there has been altering definitions and intentions for feminism as an ideology and also a movement around the world, the question of whether women have been equipped with the outcomes of empowerment amidst all the challenges is still relevant. This research paper focuses on the distribution of power in the political sphere of the contemporary Indian scenario. Utilising the feminist perspective, the political and social situation regarding representation in various constitutional levels, particularly the panchayat system is analysed. Unlike in the past, there has been gradual and consistent improvement in the representation of women that helps to empower the status and living of women in the country. The findings of the paper reveal that there still prevails the irregularity in the existing freedom and rights enjoyed by women even after substantial constitutional amendments for their equal participation in policymaking. The research concludes by stating that women empowerment and equal status in politics to the female gender would help the gender to overcome the challenges raised by the patriarchal male dominance in society.