Gender and Ballot: Issues and Challenges in Women’s Electoral Participation in Phek District, Nagaland

Phek District, located in the southeastern region of Nagaland, is predominantly inhabited by the Chakhesang tribe, a community rooted in traditional patriarchal values. Despite the growing discourse on gender equality in India, women in this region continue to face significant barriers to participation in electoral politics. Strong customary norms, limited institutional support, and prevailing gender stereotypes have collectively contributed to the underrepresentation of women in political spaces. This study aims to examine the key challenges faced by women in contesting elections, assess public perceptions of women’s political leadership, and explore the socio-cultural factors that hinder their active participation in decision-making. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the study utilizes both qualitative and quantitative tools, including online questionnaires distributed through Google Forms, as well as in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with local stakeholders. The findings reveal that while women participate actively as voters, their representation as candidates and leaders remains minimal. Entrenched patriarchal norms, financial limitations, and lack of party support emerged as the key barriers. The study emphasizes that without institutional support and changing community perceptions, women’s electoral participation in Phek District will remain limited.