ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the political scenario in Sikkim using a gendered lens. From enjoying the status of an erstwhile kingdom before 1975, Sikkim adopted democratic values and ideals as enshrined in the Indian Constitution post-merger. The chapter uses data to examine overall female political representation in the state legislature as full and equal citizens in the regional context. Issues of women's equality and empowerment in relation to their status as full and equal citizens are explored along with an analysis of the opportunities and challenges faced by women in the course of their empowerment.
