GENDER EQUALITY IN LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

Abstract

Gender inequality in local self-government continues to be a significant global issue, hindering women from achieving equal representation and participation in political decision-making processes at the local level. Despite advancements in gender equality at the national level, women remain disproportionately underrepresented in local governance, especially in decision-making positions. This paper investigates the socio-cultural, institutional, and political barriers that prevent women from participating in local politics. The study adopts a qualitative approach to explore these barriers, using in-depth interviews with women who are actively engaged in local governance across urban areas in Europe and South Asia. The findings reveal that women face a variety of systemic obstacles, including gender biases, limited access to political networks, cultural stereotypes, and financial constraints, all of which contribute to their underrepresentation in local self-government. Furthermore, societal expectations surrounding women’s roles, particularly in family and community settings, compound these challenges. Despite these barriers, the research identifies strategies employed by women to overcome these limitations, such as political networking, engagement in grassroots activism, and education and capacity-building programs. The paper suggests policy interventions, including gender quotas, leadership development programs, and institutional reforms, to facilitate greater participation and representation of women in local governance. The study emphasizes that achieving gender equality at the local level is crucial for promoting inclusive and diverse political decision-making, which ultimately contributes to more equitable social, political, and economic outcomes.