A <_ = 7 tay senior bureaucraLif the Ministry of Rural Develapment. flagship program Aimed at empowering women At rural areasAhrough self-help group’ (SHGs) and micro-enterpnise initiatives is being implemented While the program has seen pha tel tel | success in providing financial assistagce and skill development, you observe that _-women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women’s participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to _-secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has ed to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are __-unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist —- women’s participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities, They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women’s ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concems and encourage them to support women’s participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women’s participation in decision-making, ensuring that their ee voices are heard and valued?

Topper: Shivansh Tripathi · AIR 293 · 2025 · Page 35