Factors promoting political awareness and participation of fisherwomen in pulicat coast (pazhaverkadu)

The study on the political awareness and political participation was conducted in Pulicat among the coastal fisher women. It was a positive aspect to know that majority of the respondents possess government identity cards, the respondents have taken the initiative to get these documents which has now benefited them to a great extent.. With regard to political awareness, majority of the respondents were not much aware of their local leaders. But when it comes to the leaders at the state level and the national level, they exhibited better political awareness. They feel that women leaders can understand their problems better and can take adequate measures for the welfare and development of women. However, they are aware of the challenges women have to face in politics. All the respondents wanted the closure of the TASMAC Shops. They personally suffer due to alcoholism as the male members of their community are mostly drunkards. They are very much interested in involving and making government policies and schemes for their welfare.