Breaking Barriers: The Journey of a Woman in Politics

Women in Indian politics are slowly breaking barriers and overcoming challenges that have traditionally favored men. One such woman, a well-known political leader Pallavi Satpute Jawale who is a Shiv Sena (UBT) Corporator from PMC (Saharsangatika,  Shivsena (UBT) Saharpramuhk, member of DPDC, Member of Pune Zilla Niyojan Samittee, PMC sahar sudharna committee), shared her story about the struggles and victories she has experienced as a woman in politics with VUCCD

Purab Ganguli

Women in politics often face challenges that men don’t. “When I first started in politics, after working in social services, I realized that women have to prove themselves much more than men,” she said. “Some male colleagues don’t like to see women in power. They find it hard to accept that a woman can hold a higher position.”

She explained that men often get leadership roles easily, while women have to work much harder. Society praises men for being assertive, but when a woman speaks up, she’s often criticized for not being gentle enough.

Even with the 50% reservation for women in local governing bodies , gender bias still exists. In her area, many people prefer a woman leader because they believe she can understand their problems better than a man. However, women still face resistance in political spaces.

“When I was elected, I was told I needed more experience before I could join key committees like the standing committee or the city development committee. Men, on the other hand, were given these roles without question. This is a common issue—women are judged more harshly and given fewer opportunities,” she shared.

Balancing politics and family life is another challenge for women. “I live in a joint family, and their support has been a huge help in my political career. But being a mother adds another layer of responsibility. Even with support, managing both family and politics can be tough,” she said.

Despite these challenges, she continues to manage both her personal and professional life with the help of her family.

There are many barriers that women face in politics. “Women are often questioned about their experience and abilities, even if they’re new to politics. Men don’t face the same challenges—they are often given a pass. These barriers are deeply rooted in the system, making it harder for women to succeed. “I encourage all women to stand up for themselves and fight against these barriers. We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for future generations of women in politics.” she added.

However,  the media plays a big role in shaping how people see politicians, and women often face unfair treatment compared to men. “If a woman politician is involved in any controversy, the media makes a big deal out of it and often questions her character. Men, on the other hand, don’t face the same level of criticism,” she noted.

She pointed out how harmful this can be, as women are often unfairly judged for actions that men are not. However, she also acknowledged that the media has helped bring attention to women’s issues, giving them a platform to speak up and fight for their rights.

The path for women in politics is tough. From dealing with gender bias and systemic barriers to balancing family and career, women face challenges that men often do not. But women like this leader are proving that they can overcome these difficulties and make a difference.

She encourages other women to keep fighting for their rights and believes that things can change. “There’s still a long way to go, but women are making their mark in politics, and with determination and support, we can break through these barriers,” she said.