Breaking Barriers: Advancing Women's Political Participation and Leadership for Societal Change

Abstract

This study looks into the many obstacles that prevent women from taking on leadership positions and participating in politics at different levels of government. The research explores the institutional, socio-cultural, and systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing in politics, with an emphasis on attaining gender parity in decision-making processes. Utilising an extensive array of academic literature, encompassing empirical investigations, theoretical structures, and policy evaluations, the study consolidates crucial discoveries about the obstacles encountered by female politicians. These obstacles prevent women from achieving political influence and power and include gendered prejudices, institutional biases, sociocultural norms, and election processes. Additionally, the paper examines the intersectional dynamics of race, class, gender, and other identities, emphasising the additional difficulties faced by marginalised women. The evaluation not only identifies obstacles but also assesses strategies and programs—like mentoring programmes, affirmative action laws, quota systems, and grassroots mobilisation efforts—that support women's political empowerment. This study brings insights into the intricacies of women's political empowerment and advances current conversations on promoting inclusive and equitable governance systems by synthesising and analysing the body of previous literary works.