This set of ten papers brings together lessons and experience on women’s leadership and participation from Oxfam GB and its partners. The right to participate in decision-making at the local, national, and international level is one which women are often denied, whether as active citizens or as leaders. In particular, women living in poverty often have very little opportunity to influence decisions and policies that will have a direct influence on their lives and livelihoods, and on the welfare of themselves and their communities. Engaging more women to participate in decision-making will ensure that their perspectives and needs are more likely to be reflected, as these case studies illustrate. The case studies illustrate methodological approaches and learning points. They cover a range of issues, from women’s participation in national elections to female decision-making in community livelihood initiatives. Authors highlight three main approaches to strengthening women’s leadership and participation: Overcoming structural barriers to women’s leadership and participation Supporting women to take up leadership positions Encouraging and supporting women (and men) to carry out leadership roles effectively and for progressive purposes.

Prelims (Boxes and figures, Acknowledgements)
1. Women’s leadership and participation: overview
Joanna Hoare and Fiona Gell
2. Pa Kite M Deyo! Don’t Leave Me Out! Haitian women demand their right to participate in public affairs
Kristie van Wetering
3. Creating the space to empower women fi shers: lessons from the Philippines
Aurora Urgel and Gaynor Tanyang
4. Strengthening the voices of women leaders: lessons from Cambodia
Menh Navy
5. Breaking the barriers: Sierra Leonean women on the march
Joanna Hoare
6. Raising voices: training for empowerment for women experiencing poverty in Britain
Sue Smith
7. Women’s leadership in economic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel
Joanna Hoare
8. Advocacy and national elections: women’s political participation in Honduras
Maite Matheu
9. Fighting for women’s rights in Chile: supporting women workers and promoting women's political participation
Michael van Gelderen
10. Useful resources
Joanna Hoare
11. Concluding update
Joanna Hoare
Back Matter (Index)

Joanna Hoare Joanna Hoare previously worked for Oxfam GB. She is now a freelance editor and writer on gender and development issues.

Fiona Gell Fiona Gell is a gender and development specialist who has worked for Oxfam GB for many years, most recently as a Global Gender Advisor.