A Foot in the Door – Dalit Women in Panchayati Raj in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu

This book highlights the political challenges faced by Dalit women in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the need for systemic change in governance to ensure their meaningful participation in Panchayati Raj.

A Foot in the Door – Dalit Women in Panchayati Raj in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu presents the findings of research focused on the experiences of Dalit women within rural governance structures. The authors highlight the significant political oppression faced by these women, shedding light on the intersecting challenges of caste and gender that hinder their participation in Panchayati Raj. The book emphasizes that without a comprehensive approach to addressing these barriers, the existing power dynamics will persist, perpetuating the violent hierarchies that marginalize Dalit women.

The authors delve into the complexities of political participation for Dalit women, illustrating that merely gaining access to panchayats is insufficient for meaningful engagement. Despite affirmative action policies that enable their entry, many Dalit women find themselves voiceless in decision-making processes. This paradox underscores the need for deeper reforms that go beyond superficial representation, as the current structures often silence those they aim to empower.

Ultimately, A Foot in the Door serves as a critical resource for feminist and Dalit scholars, advocating for systemic change across all levels of governance. The book argues that true equality in political participation requires a fundamental shift in how power is distributed and exercised. By bringing the voices of Dalit women to the forefront, the authors call for a reevaluation of existing frameworks to ensure that their rights and contributions are recognized and valued in the democratic process.