Women Who Only Serve Chai: Gender Quotas, Reservations and Proxies in India

This book explores the experiences of women city councilors in India, highlighting the challenges they face from a society not fully accepting them in public office. It also documents the role of men, known as parshad-patis, who have subverted the gender quota without violating formal rules. The author presents pragmatic approaches to empower women in political offices and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive support structure to aid gender quota institutions in delivering equality in patriarchal environments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound experiences of women city councilors in India, shedding light on their remarkable journeys and the challenges they face in a male-dominated political landscape. Through a detailed examination of the careers of women in Jaipur, Rajasthan, who were elected to public office through a gender quota implemented over two decades ago, the author uncovers the ongoing struggles and barriers that women encounter even in their positions of power. The book reveals how society, despite its progressive strides, remains hesitant to fully embrace and accept women in public and independent roles, imposing stigmatizing norms and restrictions that hinder their full participation. Moreover, it highlights the persistent influence of men, who, technically barred from holding office due to the gender quota, exert control and influence over women officeholders, often sidelining them as proxies.

To address these complex challenges, the author offers practical strategies for empowering women in political offices at the grassroots level. They emphasize the importance of creating a comprehensive support structure that aids gender quota institutions in achieving true equality in highly patriarchal environments. The book draws upon extensive fieldwork, in-depth interviews with elected members and their spouses, journalists, women's rights activists, and student political leaders, providing a rich tapestry of insights into the intricate dynamics of Indian politics.

This insightful work will appeal to scholars and researchers specializing in gender studies, politics, political processes, and South Asian studies, offering valuable perspectives and contributing to our understanding of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in India.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032198446