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Empowering women in politics through institutional engagement: lessons from women's development forums in Bangladesh

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  • Pranab Kumar Panday
  • Quamrul Alam

Abstract

The transforming influence of women's development forums (WDFs) in promoting women's political empowerment and involvement in local government in Bangladesh is investigated in this article. Using qualitative and quantitative data, the study investigates how WDFs encourage knowledge, agency, and collaborative action among elected women representatives based on feminist theory and gender mainstreaming frameworks. Studies show that WDFs enable women's leadership abilities, question patriarchal ideals, and promote gender-responsive policymaking at the local level. Using capacity-building, networking, and advocacy, WDF members acquire confidence and influence in decision-making processes, thereby supporting more inclusive governance. Though there are continuing socio-cultural and institutional challenges, WDFs show great ability to further gender equality by changing power dynamics and encouraging women to engage actively in politics. The article stresses how important collective solidarity and institutional support are in enabling long-term empowerment and social change.

Suggested Citation

  • Pranab Kumar Panday & Quamrul Alam, 2026. "Empowering women in politics through institutional engagement: lessons from women's development forums in Bangladesh," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(3), pages 485-497, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cdipxx:v:36:y:2026:i:3:p:485-497
    DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2025.2562474
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