ABSTRACT
Women, though in small numbers, have been entering the messy field of politics. Electoral battles in an environment insensitive, and at times even hostile to women, and with very few women role models and mentors are challenging. The trajectory of each of them is fascinating and stimulating, though a lot remains submerged under the sea of politics. The situation is changing slowly with the entry of women in the Panchayati Raj Institutions. In Alva's opinion, ‘Thanks to these elected women, women have started storming the otherwise “for men only” chaupal. Political empowerment, holds Ruth Manorama, is a long march for women. ‘Women in South India,' she points out, ‘have better figures for the sex ratio, education, maternal mortality, infant mortality, female labour force participation yet Kerala and Karnataka have worst figures for elected women in the assembly and Lok Sabha levels.
