Abstract:This review investigates the complex relationship between women’s education and political participation, emphasizing the socio-cultural factors that mediate this dynamic. While education provides women with essential knowledge, skills, and confidence, its impact is often constrained by persistent gender norms, religious interpretations, and limited social capital. Drawing on case studies from South Asia, Africa, and other global contexts, the paper reveals that educated women still face cultural stereotypes, patriarchal constraints, and institutional exclusion that hinder their political engagement. In conservative societies, even educated women are often reduced to symbolic roles, with male relatives controlling their political influence. Religion emerges as both a restrictive and empowering force-certain interpretations limit women's leadership, while others inspire activism through faith-based literacy and advocacy. Social capital, such as women’s networks and grassroots organizations, significantly affects their access to political opportunities, but its availability is shaped by societal norms. The review concludes that while education is a foundational tool for empowerment, it must be supported by broader socio-cultural shifts and institutional reforms to achieve meaningful political inclusion for women.

Keywords: Education, Women, Empowerment, Political Participation,civic engagement, rural Assam.