Challenges and Prospect of Women Empowerment In Local Government (Union Parishad)

Abstract

Union Parishad (UP) is the only one local government body that has been operating for decades with regular elections. The elected representatives at the union parishad level effectively remain subservient to the central government officials at the upazila level. Union parishad is called the closest institution of rural local people. The central government whether stays in power or not it depends on the success or failure of these institutions. This study has found a noteworthy number of hindrances and these are responsible less empowerment of local government system. The result of this study has been described in three phases. Firstly, The leadership quality does not perfect for the strengthening of Union Parishad. Secondly, Institutional and individual less empowerment of UP is also liable before mentioned conditions. Thirdly, Unwillingness of Political Government have been carrying out this condition of UP since the inception of independence of Bangladesh. This study conducted by using the mixed approaches (quantitative and qualitative) and it could not reflect the real scenario by using either quantitative or qualitative approach. Used mixed method for bringing out the real scene of the research area. Findings of the study describes that strengthening of union parishad is required effective role of leadership, individual & institutional empowerment as well as effective people's representative participation. Strengthening of Union Parishad means adequate allocation of resources and freedom of expenses of it, skilled and efficient administration; empowered UP members as well as parishad as an institution; performance of leadership required with effectiveness, competence and commitment to the village citizens.