ABSTRACT
The organization of women into their own autonomous organizations must be the focal point for any process of feminist social transformation. For a state to formulate a macro policy designed to favor rural women requires political will. In the absence of an ideology of social equality, the likelihood that Latin American states will target gender equality will depend on instrumental goals or the development problems women may help to solve. The organization of rural women is not only important for fundamental political change, but it is also essential for the transformation of gender relations in daily life. Policies aimed at rural women should continue to be designed to open up new opportunities for women and provide services that mitigate the harsh conditions of daily life, enhancing the material conditions of poor rural households. The central element of every strategy of intervention should focus on raising women's consciousness, so that rural women are empowered to generate new and creative development solutions.
