Governance Dynamics and Gender Representation: Citizens’ Perceptions and Institutional Practices in Kaski District, Nepal

This study investigates the effectiveness of local governance in Kaski District, Nepal, by analyzing citizen perceptions across urban and rural municipalities. The research was based on two primary objectives, such as to examine citizens’ perceptions of service delivery, civic participation, and grievance mechanisms, and to analyze the variations in these governance practices between urban and rural settings and their implications for women’s representation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 111 respondents purposively selected across five local government units (Pokhara Metropolitan City, Madi, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Rupa Rural Municipalities) through surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations. Findings reveal a significant urban-rural divide. Rural municipalities demonstrated higher citizen satisfaction, attributed to closer official-community ties, whereas the urban center struggled with bureaucratic inefficiencies. While grievance mechanisms were generally accessible, concerns over political favoritism were prevalent. Civic engagement was moderate but constrained for women by structural barriers like dual workloads, leading to a reliance on informal channels. The study concludes that effective local governance hinges not only on resources but on fostering inclusiveness, responsiveness, and trust. Strengthening genuine women's representation and ensuring equitable service delivery are crucial for achieving accountable governance.