RC07 Webinar: Women in Traditional Institutions of Governance in Meghalaya, India

IPSA'S RC07 - Women and Politics in the Global South invites you to attend the "Women in Traditional Institutions of Governance in Meghalaya, India" webinar.
A presentation by Niharika Saikia, Ph.D. candidate, Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Abstract
Meghalaya, one of the northeastern states of India, is renowned for its matrilineal society, particularly among the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. Despite the broader social recognition of women’s roles in society, the structures of these traditional institutions have largely remained unchallenged. This marginalization of women from formal governance not only restricts their ability to influence decision-making in their communities but also impacts the broader landscape of gender equality in Meghalaya. In recent years, there has been some resistance to this exclusion, particularly from women’s rights organizations and activists advocating for greater inclusion in traditional political institutions. This paper aims to critically examine the role of women in Meghalaya’s traditional institutions of governance, exploring the historical roots of their exclusion, contemporary challenges, and the potential for reform. By investigating the intersection of gender, culture, and governance, it seeks to contribute to ongoing debates on how indigenous governance systems can evolve to become more inclusive and equitable in the 21st century.