Governance, Representation, and Empowerment of Tribal Women in Scheduled Areas of India

Abstract

 The governance and political empowerment of tribal women in the Scheduled Areas of India have emerged as important concerns in contemporary debates on inclusive development, democratic participation, and social justice. Although constitutional provisions such as the Fifth Schedule, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and reservations for women in local self-government institutions have created opportunities for political representation, tribal women continue to face multiple barriers related to gender inequality, socio-economic marginalization, low literacy levels, and limited access to institutional resources.