Political Participation through Collective Action: A Study of JEEViKA Women in Bihar

This study examines the role of JEEViKA Didis women members of Bihar’s Self-Help Group (SHG)–based livelihood mission—in strengthening grassroots democracy through enhanced political participation, awareness, and influence in local governance. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the research collected quantitative data from 400 respondents (200 JEEViKA Didis and 200 non-members) across four districts, complemented by interviews, focus group discussions, and observations of Gram Sabha meetings. The findings reveal substantial differences between JEEViKA and non-JEEViKA women in multiple dimensions of democratic engagement. JEEViKA Didis exhibited significantly higher attendance in Gram Sabha meetings, greater likelihood of speaking or raising issues, and stronger collective visibility compared to non-members. Their political awareness scores were markedly higher across categories such as knowledge of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Panchayat functions, government schemes, and budgeting processes. Moreover, JEEViKA Didis demonstrated moderate to high influence in local decision-making, particularly in mobilizing community members, monitoring public schemes, and negotiating with frontline officials. Qualitative insights further show that group solidarity, training, and institutional support help women overcome traditional socio-cultural barriers that have historically limited their public participation. These findings indicate that JEEViKA functions not only as a livelihood intervention but also as a critical platform for political empowerment, transforming women into active stakeholders in village-level governance. By expanding women’s agency, voice, and leadership, JEEViKA contributes significantly to the deepening of decentralized democracy in Bihar. The study highlights the potential of women’s collectives as engines of political inclusion and suggests the need for continued policy support to strengthen their role in governance.