Author(s)

Md. Mizanur Rahman^*

Research Division, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Comilla, Bangladesh.

Union Parishad (UP) as a unit of rural local government of Bangladesh has a history of 145 years but women’s representation was ensured only 2 decades ago. The paper is based on the argument that within the span of 2 decades, despite encountering huge challenges some women leaders (WLs) might have performed their role with their constrained participation in the UP. Against such a context, the paper is aimed at unraveling the research question: How did WLs perform in the UP amidst their challenges and constrained participation? The paper is based on hermeneutic phenomenological approach which was supported by case study, content analysis and observation methods. The findings of the paper revealed that having ensured their limited participation in the UP some women leaders were able to promote transparency and accountability, establish social justice and provide community services in the rural society.

Participation, Women Leaders, Local Government, Union Parishad, Community Services, Bangladesh

Rahman, M. (2015) Contributions of Women’s Participation in the Local Government of Bangladesh. Sociology Mind, 5, 200-212. doi: 10.4236/sm.2015.53018.