Understanding Barriers to Marginalized Women’s Democratic Engagement: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Policy Documents through an Intersectional Lens

Abstract

Regardless of the democratic development, marginalized women go on facing considerable barriers to inclusive democratic process. The present research is a qualitative study seeking to analyze the policy documents to explore intersectional barriers impeding marginalized women’s participation in democratic roles. The study engages in thematic and discourse analysis to expose how instead of policies and conceptual frameworks, a perpetual exclusion of women is maintained, thereby ensuring economic disparity, continued othering and gender-based violence. These underrepresented women together with the women from low income groups, and ethnic or racial subgroups, suffer compounded challenges such as restrictions to quality education and healthcare facilities, economic disparities, continued exploitation in cultural and social practices, and above all, non-representation in decision making. The findings of the research emphasize the intricate underplay of identity, power struggle and democratic involvement, accentuating the necessity of inclusive reforms in policy making and true implementation of these policies. The study initiates guiding interventions to promote women empowerment in democratic quarters, advocating reformative policies that intersectional obstructions and promote equitable participation.