Participatory literacy programmes in developing countries are often seen as an important tool for women's empowerment and equality. This article problematises the way in which evaluation of progress towards these goals is couched in a linear trajectory, and often fails to uncover the messy reality of women's negotiations to achieve their own aims.…

Western preconceptions about the nature of the political process, the division between public and private spheres, and participation in the political process give an incomplete picture of political activity in places like the Sudan. Cultural differences between the northern and southern region further complicate our understanding of the country.…

Focusing on the multiple roles and situations of the world's women, this collection of articles examines the current status of women, throughout the world. In the first article, "It's Not as Simple as You Think" (John Richardson), women in Brazil and Costa Rica explain issues they face in the struggle to improve their economic and social…

A study investigated the impact of training on women's micro-enterprise development in four programs in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Sudan. Research design was a series of case studies of projects and programs providing training in technical or business skills. Impact of training was measured against these four indicators: income, access to and…