The presence of women in panchayats is revolutionizing rural villages, as exemplified by Pankunwar, a former Panch of Mamna village in Mahoba. Despite being elected as a Panchayat member, she initially faced marginalization and was treated as a mere rubber stamp. However, Pankunwar’s objection and persistent questioning ended this tradition. Today, no woman in her village signs any paper while sitting at home; instead, they actively participate in panchayat meetings and contribute to the development plans of the village.
The Impact of Women-Led Panchayats
Since the reservation of one-third of seats in rural and urban local bodies for women through constitutional amendments, there has been a significant shift in village dynamics. According to Chandra Shekhar Pran, founder of Teesri Sarkar, panchayats led by women bring a humane touch to governance, prioritizing social and human development over physical changes. Pankunwar’s story serves as a living example of this transformative power. Serving as a Panchayat member for two consecutive terms, she has actively advocated for water-related issues and girls’ education in her village.
Tackling Water Issues and Promoting Education
Pankunwar’s relentless efforts have led to the resolution of waterlogging issues in her village. By consistently raising this concern during panchayat meetings, a metalled road was constructed, significantly improving the quality of life for the villagers. Moreover, Pankunwar and other women in the panchayat have been instrumental in demanding solutions to water scarcity, such as the construction of a water tank to store rainwater. By representing the voices of women in the panchayat, these women have brought attention to vital issues and exerted pressure to find sustainable solutions.
Promoting Education and Empowerment
In Mamna village, Pooja has taken on the responsibility of advocating for women and children’s issues, following in Pankunwar’s footsteps. With three elected women members in the current gram sabha, Pooja consistently raises concerns related to education and school facilities. Her determination recently led to the replacement of clogged taps in the village school, ensuring access to clean water for students. Pooja emphasizes the significance of women’s representation in panchayats, as they understand the struggles faced by women firsthand and can effectively address them.
Empowering Women Through Education
Ruby, a Panchayat Sahayika, plays a crucial role in implementing the Panchayat Development Plan and acts as a link between Mamna village and the women in the panchayat. Recognizing the importance of education, Ruby ensured that Geeta, a young girl from a Dalit community, gained admission to college. By displaying essential telephone numbers on the panchayat office wall, Ruby has facilitated communication and made information easily accessible to the community.
The Path Towards Progress
The empowerment of women in panchayats has resulted in positive changes within rural villages. Pankunwar’s perseverance, along with the dedication of other women in Mamna village, has challenged traditional gender roles and transformed their communities. As women continue to step outside their homes and actively participate in decision-making processes, they bring about sustainable development, tackle water issues, and prioritize education for girls. Their unwavering determination is reshaping the landscape of rural India, offering hope and progress for future generations.
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