- Held at UN Headquarters (New York), it highlighted role of EWRs in advancing localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level.
- Women in PRIs: India has more than 1.4 million EWRs, constituting around 46% of total PRI representatives.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 reserved 1/3rd of electoral seats in the PRIs.
- 22 States and UTs have provided a 50% reservation for women (2021).
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 reserved 1/3rd of electoral seats in the PRIs.
- Significance of EWRs:
- Improved developmental outcomes: EWRs have ensured better distribution of essential public goods.
- Critical role in strengthening sustainable development at grassroot level.
- Social Change: Prioritise policies that contribute to more equitable and responsive local communities.
- For instance, EWRs contributed to decreasing Total Fertility Rate, improving median age of marriage for women etc.
- Other: Deepening democracy and inclusive governance etc.
- Improved developmental outcomes: EWRs have ensured better distribution of essential public goods.
- Concerns:
- Cultural Constraints: Undervaluation and neglection of contributions due to patriarchal social norms and stereotypes.
- Proxy Representation: Actual decision-making powers with husbands/male family members.
- Policy of rotation of reserved seats: EWRs could not extend their learned experience.
- Other: Domestic and caregiving responsibilities, apprehensions about ability, digital divide etc.
- Initiatives: Leadership and Management Development Programme, Capacity-building Programme for EWRs, Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi etc.
Localization of SDGs
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