This book is an in-depth study of some Indian rural womens attempts to carve out their own political space within an existing, male-dominated political system. If men and women are asked to devise programmes in panchayats, women will think of water and latrines, while men will talk of roads and buses. This was observed by authors when they went round to understand the changing political experiences of rural women. The book has grown out of knowledge the village women shared with them.

A balanced examination of what had been achieved, the book points out that even if women have come to power at the behest of men, they have managed to place their needs on the political agenda. Women have also learnt to be creative tactically; lacking knowledge of formal processes, they have come up with their own informal pressure tactics as lobbyists. Yet it remains easier to address womens practical needs rather than to combat effectively male domination. The book offers insights on participation and empowerment, discussing the prospects of a more gender-just society.