Abstract

This research paper examines the role of education and political awareness in enhancing the political participation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) women in Rajasthan, with a focus on Banswara district. Despite constitutional provisions such as the 73rd Amendment, which mandates reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the political participation of ST women remains low due to socio-cultural barriers, lack of education, and political hostility. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured surveys and qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions conducted with 240 ST women across 12 Gram Panchayats in Banswara district. The findings reveal that women with higher education and greater political awareness are more likely to contest elections, engage in decision-making, and participate in governance processes. Economic dependence, patriarchal norms, and lack of institutional support are identified as significant barriers to political participation. The study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, including improving access to education, conducting political awareness campaigns, and providing financial and institutional support to enhance the political agency of ST women. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on gender and political empowerment in rural India and highlight the importance of inclusive governance.