This book highlights the commonalities and differences in rural women's experiences across the South Asia region. It argues that the low status and weak empowerment of rural women is due to the structural conditions of poverty and inequality in the region, the social and cultural shaping of gender ideologies, and the multiple patriarchies and caste and class dominance through which poor women experience power relations. However, a sense of optimism pervades as country experiences reflect the renewed concerns and commitments about rural women's empowerment in both state policy and the significant snowballing of social activism in the region. The essays in the book reiterate and importance of both poverty alleviation, providing decent work opportunities, investing in education and health, and involving women in decision making and governance such that their substantive empowerment is fostered by enhancing their capabilities, entitlements and choices.