About the Book:The book illustrates how community-based actions, programs, and organizations that allow women to determine their lives and participate in decision making contribute to the creation of a civil society and thus enhance democracy. The case studies show how participation in grassroots movements promotes women’s involvement in their organizations, communities, and in societal institutions, as it influences state policy and empowers women in personal relationships.Table of Contents: AcknowledgmentsIntroduction/ Jill M. Bystydzienski and Joti SekhonPART ONE: Asia1. Grassroots Social Action and Empowerment in India: The Case of Action India Women’s Program/ Joti Sekhon2. Re-Inheriting Women in Decolonizing Hong Kong/ Irene Lik Kay Tong3. Democracy at the Margins: NGOs and Women’s “Unofficial” Political Participation in Singapore/ Meredith WeissPART TWO: Africa and The Middle East4. Exchanging Participation for Promises: Mobilization of Women in Eritrea/ Susan Leisure5. Democratization Through Adult Popular Education: A Reflection on the Resilience of Women from Kwa-Ndebele, South Africa/ Khanya Rajuili and Ione Burke6. Muslim Women’s Grassroots Organizations in Syria: Self-Identity as a Form of Democratization/ Nimat Hafez Barazangi7. Women’s Grassroots Movements and Democratization in Egypt/ Nawal Ammar and Leila S. LababidyPART THREE: Central America8. Women and Grassroots Democracy in El Salvador: The Case of Comunidad Segundo Montes/ Elizabeth Cagan9. Feminist Organizations and Grassroots Democracy in Honduras/ Charles McKelveyPART FOUR: Eastern Europe10. New Roads to Resistance and Participation: Polish Feminists in the Transition to Democracy/ Judy Root Aulette11. From the Ground Up: Women’s Organizations and Democratization in Russia/ Jane F. Berthusen GottlickPART FIVE: Western Europe, North America and Australia12. Building Democratic Bridges Over Belgian Political Bastions: The Work of The VOKWomen’s Consultation Committee/ Alison E. Woodward and Rita Mulier13. Women’s Participation in Grassroots Initiatives in Ireland/ Christopher Dale14. Sexual Assault and the Canadian State: Participatory Democracy Struggles Within a Liberal Democracy/ Alicja Muszynski15. Empowerment and Disempowerment of Women in Central Appalachia, U.S.A./ Nelda K. Pearson16. Women in Agriculture: Action for More Democratic Australian Farm Politics/ Ruth LiepinsConclusionAbout the Editors and Contributors