1The access to services programme of practical action (formerly the intermediate technology development Group) in Ruglay, UK, and a member of the advisory Board of Global Urban Development. He is co-author of Building Bridges with the Grassroots.
2Previously served as a Human Settlements Infromation Officer for practical action/ITDG in Rugley, UK. He is co-author of Building Bridges with the Grassroots.
Poor women in informal settlements often more disadvantaged than men in terms of representation and participation in decision making, income generation opportunities, physical and tenure security, shelter, and legal and human rights. Many of them appear marginalized, even hidden, from ongoing events in their communities because of lack of skills, literacy, status, mobility, and selfconfidence. The study covers fact that women are seldom involved in decision making or policy formulation processes has impeded their socio-economic development and has led to most key issues affecting them remaining untouched. However women know that the acquisition of knowledge constitutes the first step towards the process of change, be it social, economic, cultural, or political. Information is the catalyst, the driving force, and the product of such an evolutionary process of change. Good information flow is an integral part of social and economic development.
