Women and Governance

Abstract

Women in every society play a significant role in households and community for socio-economic development of the society such that national development is not possible without developing this important and substantial segment. Considering the reality of women in decision making, this study attempted to examine the present status of participation and decision-making role of women in households and community level. As all households (122 HHs) from the Butkesal village under Dang district, Nepal, were included in unit of analysis. Necessary data for the study were collected with questionnaire by personal interviewing of the respondent men and women covering all types of families. Result showed that women’s participation in each and every types of activities either household's level or community level was relatively lower. Finding also showed that in most of the cases women’s participation in decision making process regarding various family affairs is lower than their male counterpart. Moreover, it was found that despite the equity of relative power and freedom, women in the rural villages are lag behind by structural constrains based on gender and negative ideologies. This attitude, together with numerous other factors, is causing low negotiating power of women. Evidence shows, a main obstacle in decision making is the limit set of gendered and its determined task. So far, the study emphasized about the moving beyond essentialism. Moreover, it points towards bringing change in perception to change the structures and ideologies that keep one gender subordinate of other. Therefore, women should be empowered in a holistic way so that women themselves become conscious to cross the boundary created by socially constructed gender ideology and negotiate in order to reduce the existing gender gap to make themselves free for participation in decision making level. In the meantime, governance has been appreciated to include the women in decision making process. Gender-sensitive governance is a best possible to make equitable, sustainable and effective role of women. Participation and engagement from all strata of the society are critical determinants of good governance, a concept which addresses issues of social equity and legitimacy and not merely the efficient management of family and community development process. In every society, there are different ways in which women and men are thinking and participated in the decision-making process. Normally, women’s participation is much more passive and far away to put their views in decision making. Gender sensitive governance creates an enabling environment to the women to meet and share their expectations and institutional expressions. A gender-sensitive approach to governance has two principal objectives; firstly, to increase women's participation in households and community development and, secondly, to foster gender-awareness and competence among both women and men in the development spheres. Finally, conclusion was drawn about the requirement of approach to the issue of participation, including an improvement in women's representation in development structures and their active involvement in advocacy and lobbying for equal opportunities.