Political Participation of Women with Special Reference to Assam

The participation of women in politics is a crucial element of a functioning democracy and effective governance. A democracy cannot thrive without the complete engagement of women. It is an undeniable truth that advancements in democracy and the empowerment of women are interconnected, and no nation can progress if half of its population is excluded. Women from Assam have participated in politics, not only during the struggle for independence but also by organising at the community level in their areas, yet they remain significantly less represented in formal power structures than in the wider society. Despite these developments, the barriers to women's participation in politics and their influence within it continue to be reinforced by deeply- rooted patriarchy, socio- cultural stigmas, economic pressures, and biases in the media. This paper aims to explore the political engagement of women in the context of Assam.