Substantive Representation and Gender interactions at political participation: an analytical study into the women political representation in Local Self- Governance.

Abstract

By their very nature, parliaments are meant to represent their societies. Citizens who identify with modern parliaments and find solutions to their problems and aspirations do so. The representation and participation of women in politics vary significantly between and within nations. A socially inclusive society allows women to "have a voice in making decisions that affect their lives," which is a crucial component of democratic governance. This pertains to the idea that political involvement is a human right and that women have the same citizenship rights as males. Why do we have so few women in politics? Are they willing to run for office? What happens when they do? How much does their presence systematically influence the legislative process? These are all critical questions to answer. The present study explores the term 'substantive representation' proposed by Hannah Pitkin in her pivotal work 'the concept of representation,' connoting the ‘acting for’ aspect of women's political participation. From a theoretical paradigm, this paper examines the gender interactions at local self-government institutions and analyses the scenario of women's representation. 

Keywords: women participation, substantive representation, local governance, decision making