Authors : Manoj Kumar Sah

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 8 - August

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8320663

Abstract : Political representation is believed to be a tool to enhance the competency of Indigenous women. It is also acknowledged as a factor for the socio-political empowerment and advancement of the communities they represent. However, it is always fascinating to explore what political representation meant to them, why and how they could come to represent, and how consequential and substantial their representation was. This paper interprets the construction from the narratives that come through one to one interviews with Indigenous women in Kakani Rural Municipality [Hill region] as well as Madhavnarayan Municipality, Rautahat [Terai region].The opportunities and challenges of their political representation at the local level. After gathering the narratives, the data is discussed to reach the conclusion that political representation can be a gateway to enhance the leadership potential of Indigenous women. The research reveals that political representation is taken as a crucial tool for enhancement of their competency and it can support the empowerment of the community one represents, though there are some issues to be addressed with due time and efforts. Lack of prior experience not only constrained their political mobility and advancement but also, in situations, their male colleagues and the ward chairman intimidated them due to their politically inexperienced background. For some others, their own community too was not excited with their election process or their roles at the local government. Higher levels of political socialization and leadership training would be more goal-oriented.

Keywords : Political Representation, Political Socialization, Leadership, Empowerment.