PDAG organised From Margins to Leadership: Women, Power and the Future of Democratic Representation in India at the India International Centre Annexe in New Delhi. The event launched and shared the findings of PDAG’s study, From Margins to Leadership: Caste and Gender Dynamics in India’s Local Governance.

The study was commissioned under ALIGN—Advancing Learning and Innovation on Gender Norms—a programme led by ODI Global. PDAG conducted the research with support from the Resource and Support Centre for Development. The research drew on the experiences of elected women representatives in Jharkhand and Maharashtra.

The event brought together elected representatives, researchers, civil-society organisations, development practitioners and policymakers. Discussions examined how caste, gender, political parties, government systems, care responsibilities and access to resources affect women’s ability to lead.

A key message was that winning an election does not automatically give women real decision-making power. Women build authority over time through their work with communities, government officials and political institutions. Participants called for stronger networks, continued institutional support and clearer pathways for women to advance in politics.

Through this study and dissemination event, PDAG contributed evidence to wider discussions on women’s political leadership, local governance and democratic representation in India.