This book explores the meanings of gender justice and the practice of citizenship as shaped by context-specific histories, cultures and struggles. It presents a conceptual framework and provides four regional perspectives and a guideline for development programs. The section on Sub-Saharan Africa in particular focuses on the the definition of citizenship in the female experience as more than simply a formal relationship between the individual and the State, but also involving her position in a family, a community and an ethnic group.

Towards the end of this assessment process, participants decided to present a land petition at the village assembly and with officials of the revenue department, in an attempt to broaden their network of support and draw attention to their rights. The focus of the assessment was neglect of government officials and elected representatives. Participants also recognized that gaps in information and communication related to the Katkari’s legal rights as residents of tribal lands, worsen the situation by keeping from public view illegal advantages held by wealthy landowners.

The paper outlines issues arising in a planning process with a poor tribal group who have no legal title to the land where their homes have been for decades. Families live with the constant fear of eviction, an ever-increasing occurrence in Thane District where land prices are rising rapidly due to proximity to Mumbai. The character of the project was identified and a planning approach and management tool was selected. Six months later, a second assessment was done and project modalities adjusted.