Role Of Community Based Organizations In Women Empowerment: A Case From Karnataka

Abstract

Panchayath Raj Institutions (PRIs) are often observed as a necessary condition for transforming lives and livelihoods of people living in the rural areas of developing countries. This article tries to addressing how community-based organizations (CBOs) shape the way services are delivered by local government agencies in Karnataka. Panchayat Raj Institution such as Gram Panchayat stands as a first institution as Community based organizations.  Also, the article explores how the community’s, specifically women’s, demands and interests are being negotiated at local political institutions. In doing so, the research focuses on CBOs and Grama Panchayath’s (GPs) as the core institutions of the local power structure and more than 12 GPs as the case of a woman led GPs. It has been observed that all Gram Panchayats have progressed as full-fledged CBOs over the years and currently mobilizes marginalized groups to establish their rights and access to various government and non-government organizations. In addition to ensuring gender responsive governance, GPs are also creating space for participation and developing an interactive relationship between the people and power at the grassroots in Karnataka.