All over the world, the significance of women s participation in the workforce has resulted in significant transformation in the family set up and the economy. Since 1950s, women s participation in economic activities has been increasing rapidly. Rural de

Reviews the position of women in society, with particular reference to their educational achievements and employment opportunities. Focuses on the potential of microcredit programmes and how women entrepreneurs affect the global economy. Assess where rural women stand in the development process today.

Research paper on the political participation of rural women in women's associations and rural development in developing countries - following a literature survey, stresses importance of political power, examines voting, sexual division of labour, female Elite participation in elected office, bureaucracy and political partys, obstacles such as the political system, problems in organization building, lack of incentives, cooptation, organizational skill development, etc. References pp. 64 to 71.