The Historical, Political and Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Women's Political Participation in Village Councils, Meghalaya.

Author(s)	Ms. Bitiful Marngar, Dr. Amalesh Adhikary
Country	India
Abstract	Women’s participation in village councils in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, reflects a complex balance between matrilineal traditions and male-dominated political authority. Although Khasi women inherit lineage and property, their involvement in formal decision-making bodies such as the Dorbar Shnong remains limited. This paper examines the historical, political, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s representation in these local institutions. Drawing on secondary sources, the study highlights how customary norms, colonial interventions, legal developments, and changing socio-economic conditions shape women’s roles in community governance. The discussion also explores emerging debates and reforms aimed at expanding gender inclusion.
Keywords	Women’s participation; Dorbar Shnong; Khasi matriliny; gender and governance; East Khasi Hills.
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-06
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.62680

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