Abstract

The role of women in participatory urban local governance in India has gained prominence as a critical factor in enhancing democratic processes and urban development. This study examines how women contribute to and influence urban local governance structures in India focusing on their participation in decision-making policy formulation and implementation processes. Despite constitutional provisions and legal frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality women’s representation in urban governance remains disproportionately low. This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and case studies. Findings reveal that while women’s participation has increased due to affirmative action policies significant barriers such as socio-cultural norms lack of resources and inadequate institutional support persist. The study highlights successful models of women’s engagement in urban governance and provides recommendati