Analyzing Women’s Participation in Local Government: Examining the Role of Brokers in Post-War Eastern Sri Lanka

Abstract

The patriarchal and egalitarian political discourse of Sri Lanka has prohibited the full participation of women at decision-making levels in government institutions. This thesis focuses on the causes of this low representation of women and obstacles which hinder it. To increase the participation of women and women's societies, it is essential that their capacity to handle these issues also be increased. Through an examination of theoretical discourses on participation and brokerage, this thesis points to local societal actors which can facilitate women in this endeavor. This thesis examines how capacity building and a participatory approach to incorporate views of civil society, specifically women’s, can be used to create social cohesion and consequently facilitate peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.