• Sahani Chatterjee
• Kausik Chatterjee

India is world’s largest indirect democracy which means government is by the people, of the people and for the people. The role of women in political decision making is immense importance from time immemorial . It is related to strengthening the social, political, moral and economic position of women. The study reveals how women participated in political decision making to acquire confidence and to reduce the gender gap by political participation. The study shows the example of Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalita , Prativa Patil,as well as Mayabati. Not only in legislative field but also in Judiciary field the role of the women is none the less. The study also shows women’s participation in politics in Vedic period, Medieval period as well as pre Independence period. In Vedic period women got equal chances like men to participate in political decision making, but the position of the women started diminishing in later Vedic period. Jainism and Buddhism were the two potent protestant movement which had brought severe changes in the structure of society as well as gave the equal status to women in political and social field. The study also reveal the participation of women in Indian freedom movement like Rani Laxmi bai of Jhansi, Sorojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Pritilata Wadedar, Sucheta kripalani. They all fought against the mightiest British empire. The study concludes with the fact that the mindset of the people need to be change then only country will progress. Awareness campaign regarding women’s legal and political rights should be organised to inspire women to participate in political rallies, meetings, campaign e.t.c. It has become an imperative necessity to provide opportunity to women in decision making process at all levels to make empowerment of women a meaningful reality.

Empowerment, Political, Decision making, Participation

"Role of Women in Political Decision Making in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 1, page no.615-621, January-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1901382.pdf

"Role of Women in Political Decision Making in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 1, page no. pp615-621, January-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1901382.pdf