Women elected representatives face many challenges in carrying out their functions in all levels of governance, particularly so in panchayati raj institutions. PRIA has worked consistently to build capacities of women elected representatives since the passing of the 73rd Amendment to the constitution. Jharkhand state was formed in 2000, and since then only two panchayat level elections have been held (2010 and 2015). PRIA, supported by UNICEF Jharkhand, undertook a participatory research to understand the impact of the training received by elected representatives of panchyati raj institutions during 2010-16. The purpose of the research was to understand the gaps and bottlenecks in the trainings received so far, so as to develop more effective and need based training modules to build capacities of panchayat elected representatives, in particular women elected representatives.
The research, in the form of case studies, has shown that women in Jharkhand are at the forefront of taking on responsibilities for the communities by standing for panchayat elections. They face many barriers (institutional and social), but are undaunted in their efforts to develop their villages and panchayats by ensuring rights and entitlements, as per government programmes, to all citizens. Women elected representatives in Jharkhand are showing the way in making democracy work for all.
Objectives
• To understand the impact of trainings received by elected representatives of panchayati raj institutions during 2010-16
• To develop in-depth understanding on factors that enable women elected representatives to perform their roles and responsibilities, including to bring gender equality in their areas
• To analyse the capacity gaps (individual, institutional, etc.) and other bottlenecks in the functioning of elected representatives
• To enhance the capacities of elected representatives, especially women, where they adopt participatory approaches to ensure gender equality and the overall improvement of programme implementation.
Geographical Spread
Ramgarh, Latehar, Deoghar, West Singhbhum and Simdega districts
Key areas/components
• To understand and document 10 cases of elected representatives and learn best practices that they are undertaking after receiving trainings (impact of trainings received)
• To analyse the capacity gaps (individual, institutional, etc.) and other bottlenecks in the functioning of elected representatives
• To develop training module(s) based on the capacity gaps, prioritized themes and using participatory training methodologies
• To deliver a three-day training programme for 25 elected representatives
Key outputs
• Inception report
• 10 cases
• Report on Capacity Gap Analysis
• Training module (2)
• Three day training for women elected representatives
Year/Period
2016-17
Client
UNICEF, Jharkhand
