Abstract

The quality of a democratic system depends largely on the extent to which marginalized groups participate in governance. Dalit women constitute one of the most disadvantaged sections of Indian society, facing discrimination based on caste, gender, and economic status simultaneously. Although Maharashtra has a strong legacy of social reform, the effective political representation of Dalit women remains limited. This research paper examines the current status of political empowerment among Dalit women in Maharashtra, the barriers to their participation, the impact of reservation policies, their role in local self-governance institutions, and measures required for meaningful empowerment. The study reveals that while structural barriers continue to restrict their authority, education, self-help groups, and leadership training have initiated gradual transformation.

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