The Power of Women's Informal Networks: Lessons in Social Change from South Asia and West Africa

Abstract

This book offers a collection of articles which synthesize a review of the varying structures, purposes, strengths and shortcomings of women's informal networks in South Asian and West African Societies. While the topics are broad ranging, the role of women's informal networks is given particular attention in regard to health, social change, political participation, global commodity chains, and participatory planning for natural resource management in community forestry. Specifically, the research is useful in presenting topical analyses of the different ways women's social networks may be incorporated into the development framework to facilitate sustainable and equitable community development.