By serving as positive role models to other women and mobilising male champions to support the cause of women, they have gradually improved the status of women to promote policies and funding of developmental projects that are beneficial for communities. In this way, these women encourage more women to participate in the political process. The Union Parishad is headed by a chair, and consists of a further nine general members plus three reserved seats for women (Khan and Ara 2006). The women are voted in by direct election, and are able to contest the general seats and that of the chair. A total of 475 women were elected.