This set of nine papers brings together lessons and experience on women’s leadership and participation from Oxfam Great Britain 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 show.

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; and encouraging and supporting women (and men) to carry out leadership roles effectively and for progressive purposes.

Table of Contents:

1) Women’s Leadership and Participation: Overview; 2) Pa Kite M Deyo! Don’t Leave Me Out! Haitian Women Demand Their Right to Participate in Public Affairs; 3) Creating the Space to Empower Women Fishers: Lessons from the Philippines; 4) Strengthening the Voices of Women Leaders: Lessons from Cambodia; 5) Breaking the Barriers: Sierra Leonean Women on the March; 6) Raising Voices: Training for Empowerment for Women Experiencing Poverty in Britain; 7) Women’s Leadership in Economic Change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel; 8) Advocacy and National Elections: Women’s Political Participation in Honduras; 9) Fighting for Women’s Rights in Chile: Supporting Women Workers and Promoting Women’s Participation.