The book is an attempt to address issues of women’s empowerment and political participation at the grassroots level in rural areas, with particular reference to the scenario in Punjab. The book delves into the socio-economic profile of elected women representatives in rural areas. It deals with implementation pattern of reservation policy and awareness among rural women regarding it, and participation of women PRI members in activities of gram sabha and panchayats in the course of implementation of development programmes and welfare activities. It analyses the constraints of the local governance system, male members’ attitudes towards women representatives, and constraints faced by women in their effective participation in local bodies.