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Research Paper | Sociology | Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026 | Pages: 1065 - 1066 | India
Gender Roles in Grassroots Governance: A Qualitative Study of Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation
Abstract: Grassroots governance plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive political participation and democratic decentralisation. In the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), gender reservation has significantly increased women's representation, making the city an important case for studying gender roles in local governance. This qualitative study explores how gender shapes political participation, leadership, decision-making, and governance outcomes in MBMC. The research highlights that women's representation has increased both numerically and symbolically, with women frequently occupying leadership roles such as mayor and corporator. However, patriarchal norms, proxy politics, and socio-cultural expectations continue to influence women's autonomy. The study finds that women leaders tend to prioritise welfare, health, sanitation, education, and community development, reflecting gendered governance patterns. While grassroots governance has contributed to women's empowerment and the gradual transformation of traditional gender roles, structural and cultural barriers still limit substantive equality. The study concludes that Mira-Bhayander demonstrates both progress and challenges in achieving gender-inclusive governance.
Keywords: Grassroots governance, reservation, Women?s representation, Political participation, Proxy politics, Grassroots governance, Inclusive political participation
How to Cite?: Mansi Atmaram Gawand, "Gender Roles in Grassroots Governance: A Qualitative Study of Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1065-1066, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26217204909, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26217204909