Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction: Journeys from exclusion to inclusion / Julian Smith. PART I: Overcoming marginalization in customary governance. Chapter 1: The intervention of PEACE during "the crisis": promoting the inclusion of women in customary systems in Bouginville / Naomi Johnstone. Chapter 2: Breaking through the confines of traditions: the Wajir Peace and Developement Commitee in northern Kenya / Leah Kimathi. Chapter 3: The succesful road towards inclusion of women in traditional governance institutions: the case of Namibia's Uukwambi Traditional Authority / Janine Ubink. Chapter 4: Living customary law in South Africa: a space for women to overcome exclusion / Lisa Heemann. Part II: The intersection of gender and religion. Chapter 5: Women's political participation in Somaliland / Michael Walls. Chapter 6: The inclusion of Muslim women in Indian democratic governance structures and processes / Vasu Mohan and Dr Suraiya Tabassum. Part III: Women's stories from Myanmar. Chapter 7: Solidarity in exile? The influence of gender politics on the pro-democracy struggle in Myanmar / Jenny Hedström. Chapter 8: A place on the platform: the participation of women in Karen community organizations / Nicholas Henry. Part IV: Including women in local decision-making processes. Chapter 9: "Beyond almost all politicians there are women in the shadows": Cambodian women's experiences of local governance / Sue Gollifer. Chapter 10: Making decentralization meaningful for marginalized communities: lessons from the Integrated Development Foundation in Cameroon / Julius Lambi and Oussematou Dameni. Conclusion: learning from the stories of marginalized women / Julian Smith.