ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the extent to which women have been able to express their concerns, share their opinions and participate in community activities at all levels. From the research it was notable that men perceived that women should take part in community activities in order to ensure equality in decision-making processes because they claim to have a better understanding of women's needs. On the issue of women's voice, the researchers concluded that women in the Sharique intervention areas felt that they had a voice and they could exercise it to claim their rights and benefits. When examining the issue of women's participation in politics, it is reasonable to ask whether the lack of women's involvement makes any difference to the outcomes of decision making. The great importance of women's participation in the Sharique intervention areas was recognized by people irrespective of group and type. Islamic customs regarding the public behaviour of women pose a further restriction on women's mobility.
