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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJARCMSS) [ Vol. 9 | No. 1 (II) | January - March, 2026 ]

Women’s Political Empowerment in the State of Andhra Pradesh: An Analysis of the 2024 General Elections

Dr. Yogesh Babu Thunga, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh G. Konnur & Dr. G. Anita

Women’s political empowerment remains a central concern in democratic governance, particularly in contexts where historical, cultural, and institutional barriers restrict women’s access to power. The 2024 General Elections in Andhra Pradesh marked a significant moment with increased participation of women candidates across political parties and constituencies. This conceptual paper examines women’s political empowerment in the state by analysing participation patterns, representation dynamics, and structural enablers and constraints evident during the 2024 elections. The paper synthesizes existing research to develop an analytical framework for understanding women’s empowerment beyond numerical participation. The paper argues that while descriptive representation of women has improved, substantive empowerment remains uneven due to persistent patriarchal norms, party gatekeeping, and media representation practices. The study offers conceptual insights relevant for policymakers, political parties, and scholars concerned with strengthening gender-inclusive democratic processes in Andhra Pradesh.

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