Organising Poor Women

Why does poverty, particularly poverty among women, persist? One reason might be that we do not have the appropriate knowledge on which to base policies and interventions. But even if there was technical consensus on how to reduce poverty, the real issue is whether the power structures in society will allow interventions that reduce the advantages of the wealthy. Without power, the poor in general and poor women in particular, will not be able to argue for and to force the introduction of policies and interventions that improve their well-being. Hence, the need for empowerment. Organisations of the poor are central to inclusive growth. Andhra Pradesh has been in the forefront of promoting these organisations, especially for poor women. This volume assesses and analyses the Andhra Pradesh experience. The papers in the volume will be useful to researchers and policymakers alike since they chart a specific and concrete experience in enhancing organisations of poor women.