Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and ensuring the well-being of women and girls at the grassroots level. As the closest tier of governance, PRIs have the power to drive inclusive, gender-responsive development and localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has outlined nine themes for localizing the SDGs, including a dedicated focus on "Woman and Girl Friendly Villages" (Theme 9) and the integration of gender equality across all themes. This guidebook serves as a practical resource for locally elected representatives (ERs) to:

Strengthen gender-sensitive planning at the panchayat level
Promote women's leadership and participation in decision-making
Ensure access to essential services for women and girls
Foster safe and inclusive communities

By utilizing this guidebook, ERs can create panchayats that are not only more inclusive but also drive sustainable and equitable development, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous rural India.

This Guidebook is available in both English and Hindi. Click to Download.