Panel Discussion on “Beyond Seats at the Table: Gender Sensitivity and Women’s Role in Local Governance”

The Department of Sociology, Rayburn College in collaboration with Rural Women Upliftment Society (RWUS), organized a panel discussion on “Beyond Seats at the Table: Gender Sensitivity and Women’s Role in Local Governance” on the 17^th of March 2026. The programme aimed to create awareness and generate meaningful dialogue on the status, challenges, and opportunities for women in local governance, particularly in the context of Manipur.

The session was moderated with a focus on the need for gender budgeting and brought attention to the ground realities of how local governance functions in Churachandpur. The discussion also addressed the implications of Article 371(C) and the recognition of customary laws in the hill districts of Manipur. Despite the provision of 33% reservation for women in local governance, it was highlighted that these seats are often not fully occupied, and even when they are, women’s participation tends to remain largely symbolic rather than substantive.

Key points of the discussion included the urgent need for capacity building among women to enhance their effective participation in governance. The panel also emphasized the issue of underrepresentation of women in rural and hill districts of Manipur in comparison to the valley regions. Another significant concern raised was the need to re-examine the interpretation of the Bible, as church institutions and customary laws are deeply intertwined in the local context, often influencing women’s roles in leadership and decision-making.

Furthermore, the discussion underscored the importance of recognizing women as capable decision-makers and called for greater support from men to achieve meaningful gender inclusivity in political participation. The panel concluded by stressing that genuine empowerment requires both structural changes and shifts in societal attitudes. The session was interactive and insightful, leaving the participants with a deeper understanding of gender sensitivity and the need for inclusive governance.