Jane Krishnadas explores reconstruction efforts after natural and man-made disasters. The book focuses on gender and empowerment, showing that women are often quick to break free from the pre-disaster systems of rights and take a leading role in reconstruction. Krishnadas lived and worked with earthquake-affected communities in India for four years. She spent another four years in Mumbai researching the World Bank, state government and NGO policies on reconstruction. Her research shows that times of crisis shed light on the methods women use to resist the often controlling systems they are subject to - whether this is in the context of a post-disaster situation, or in their everyday lives. This unique book is essential reading for all those working in or studying reconstruction, be it after natural disasters, such as hurricane Katrina or wars such as those in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and in the everyday reconstruction processes of globalisation.