Democratization and Women's Grassroots Movements

The fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and of dictatorships in Latin America brought new attention to democratic movements worldwide. Most interest focused on national activities, electoral politics, and the expansion of capitalist markets, and though much has been written on large social movements, including women's movements, smaller grassroots organizations have been neglected. This book explores how these movements contribute to the expansion of public and private spaces and democratic processes. The sixteen case studies highlight women's grassroots movements in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Eritrea, South Africa, Syria, Egypt, El Salvador, Honduras, Poland, Russia, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, USA (Appalachia), and Australia. They reveal the connections between local political and social action and the growth of democratic processes at state, regional, and global levels.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.The book also explores such important themes as the problematic relationship between the state and non-governmental community ETHbased actions, barriers to and opportunities for women's participation at the local level, problems in developing and maintaining democratically run local organizations, the differing perceptions of feminism among the world's women, and the effects of globalization on women's grassroots organizing. The contributors are Nawal Ammar, Judy Root Aulette, Nimat Hafez Barazangi, Ione Burke, Jill M. Bystydzienski, Elizabeth Cagan, Christopher Dale, Jane F. Berthusen Gottlick, Leila S. Lababidy, Susan Leisure, Ruth Liepins, Charles McKelvey, Rita Mulier, Alicja Muszynski, Nelda K. Pearson, Khanya Rajuili, Joti Sekhon, Irene Lik Kay Tong, Meredith Weiss, and Alison E. Woodward.