I. INTRODUCTION
II. STRUGGLES FOR LIVELIHOOD: WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
III. SHARING THE COSTS OF SOCIAL REPRODUCTION: COMMUNAL KITCHENS IN LIMA, PERU
IV. URBAN POVERTY AND VIOLENCE: MOTHERS MOVEMENTS
V. ENGENDERING URBAN SPACE :WOMENS PARTICIPATION IN HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS MOVEMENTS
VI. ENGENDERING COMMUNITY ACTION
sustainability and community development approaches
Gender, structure of constraint and local power
VII. CONCLUSION

This paper examines the gender dimensions of women's community action amid economic restructuring and urban poverty, emphasizing gender's role in shaping social orders. It analyzes various women's organizations and movements globally, highlighting their roles in community decision-making and addressing economic impacts. The study, a collaboration between UN Volunteers, UNRISD, and IAF, presents case studies illustrating how gender influences women's participation and the implications for policy frameworks. It concludes by discussing the strategic and conceptual implications of women's community action for broader policy processes and community development.

English