| Abstract: | This study maps local governance models and village-level institutions in Majuli District, Assam, and evaluates their potential contributions to women’s empowerment. Employing an empirical and analytical methodology, the research examines ten institutions, including constitutional bodies, autonomous councils, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and Panchayati Raj Institutions. The results indicate a diverse institutional ecosystem with considerable governance capacity. However, only a minority of institutions identify women’s empowerment as an explicit organisational priority, and leadership positions remain predominantly occupied by men. Nevertheless, all institutions indicated a willingness to support women’s empowerment if sufficient financial, technical, and administrative resources are provided. |