Published Paper Details:

The political empowerment of women remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and gender equity. Despite constitutional guarantees and global commitments, women in Assam continue to face significant barriers to meaningful political representation. This paper examines the emerging trends in women's participation in Assam's state politics, with a focus on Legislative Assembly elections from 2001 to 2021. Through a comparative and data-driven analysis of electoral outcomes, the study reveals persistent underrepresentation, disparities in party nominations, and the widening gender gap in elected positions. While there has been some growth in the number of women contesting elections, it has not translated into a proportional increase in legislative seats. The research further explores socio-political challenges, such as patriarchal norms, lack of institutional support, and limited access to resources, that hinder women's political advancement. The findings underscore the urgent need for structural reforms, targeted policy interventions, and gender-sensitive political practices to foster a more inclusive and representative democracy in Assam