Decentralization, Local Development and Women’s Empowerment: Innovating Knowledge and Practice

Abstract

The relationship amongst decentralization reforms, local development processes and women’s empowerment is the main theme of this issue of Universitas Forum. The experiences published here suggest that while decentralization and local development are not magic bullets, they have opened spaces that women are occupying increasingly, notwithstanding many challenges. In this process, women are empowered socially, economically and politically and contribute to transform these new spaces in vital ways. Several innovative practices, tools, methods and approaches have facilitated this, including the role played by intermediaries and allies such as international networks and cooperation agencies, research institutes and universities.