ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

The Role of Village Panchayaths in the Empowerment of Rural Women in Kerala

Village panchayats in Kerala have played a pivotal role in empowering rural women by fostering participation, providing access to resources, and promoting gender equality. The empowerment of women through participation in Panchayathi raj became a reality after passing of the 73rd amendment act to the constitution.In the history of human development ,woman has been as important as man. Empowerment of women in all spheres and in particular the political sphere is crucial for their advancement and for the foundation of gender equal society. . It is central to the goals of equality, development and peace.Kerala known for it’s high literacy rate and progressive social policies.,has made significant strides in empowering rural women through village panchayaths.And also Village Panchayats have played a vital role in the state’s rural development and governanace.They are also responsible for local governance,development and services.The village Panchayats are promoting inclusive growth,social justice and sustainable development by empowering rural women . Through mechanisms such as reservation of seats, implementation of livelihood programmes like Kudumbashree and MGNREGS, and the functioning of Gender Resource Centres, panchayats facilitate women’s agency, mobility, and public visibility. Additionally, the panchayat-led delivery of health, education, and social protection schemes improves the overall quality of life and reduces structural gender inequalities. While challenges such as patriarchal resistance, limited financial autonomy, and capacity constraints persist, the role of village panchayats remains central to fostering inclusive rural development and enabling women to transition from passive beneficiaries to active stakeholders in governance