Women's participation in the political process is essential for the functioning of a democratic society. Although India has granted women equal political rights through universal adult franchise since independence, their active participation in politics remains limited. While women have made significant achievements as political leaders at the national and state levels, the overall representation of women in political institutions and decision-making bodies continues to be inadequate. Various socio-cultural and political factors contribute to this situation. One of the major socio-cultural barriers is the patriarchal structure of Indian society. Traditional gender norms assign women the primary responsibility for household work, childcare, and family care, leaving little time or opportunity for political engagement. Politics is often viewed as a male domain, discouraging women from entering public life. Gender stereotypes further restrict women's political aspirations. Women are often perceived as less capable of leadership, decision-making, and public administration. These stereotypes reduce public confidence in female candidates and weaken women's self-confidence to contest elections or participate in political debates. Educational inequality also affects political participation. Although female literacy has improved considerably, educational disparities still exist, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Limited education reduces awareness of political rights, government schemes, electoral processes, and opportunities for leadership. Economic dependence is another significant obstacle. Election campaigns require financial resources, and many women lack independent income or ownership of property. Their dependence on male family members for financial support limits their ability to contest elections or sustain political careers. Social restrictions on mobility also hinder women's participation. In many communities, women