It is a collection that documents the leadership journeys of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) across rural India. The publication highlights how women leaders in Panchayati Raj Institutions are shaping local governance, strengthening community participation, and driving development in their villages.
The foundation for this transformation was laid by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which institutionalised Panchayati Raj Institutions as the third tier of governance and reserved seats for women in local bodies. Over the past three decades, this reform has enabled millions of women to step into public leadership roles and participate directly in local decision making.
The stories in this volume capture the realities of leadership at the grassroots. They reflect journeys from hesitation to confidence, from participation to decision making, and from individual representation to collective village development. Across different regions, these women leaders demonstrate how effective local governance can improve access to services, strengthen institutions, and build more inclusive communities.
Developed in the context of the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the publication also underscores the importance of capacity building and institutional support for elected representatives. By documenting these experiences, Championing Change aims to recognise the contributions of women leaders and highlight the growing role of grassroots leadership in strengthening rural democracy.
