Preface
Vidar Helgesen

Introduction: Journeys from exclusion to inclusion
Julian Smith

PART I: Overcoming marginalization in customary governance

1. The intervention of PEACE during ‘the Crisis’: promoting the inclusion of women in customary systems in Bougainville
Naomi Johnstone

2. Breaking through the confines of traditions: the Wajir Peace and Development Committee in northern Kenya
Leah Kimathi

3. The successful road towards inclusion of women in traditional governance institutions: the case of Namibia’s Uukwambi Traditional Authority
Janine Ubink

4. Living customary law in South Africa: a space for women to overcome exclusion
Lisa Heemann

PART II: The intersection of gender and religion

5. Women’s political participation in Somaliland
Michael Walls

6. The inclusion of Muslim women in Indian democratic governance structures and processes
Vasu Mohan and  Suraiya Tabassum

PART III: Women’s stories from Myanmar

7. Solidarity in exile? The influence of gender politics on the pro-democracy struggle in Myanmar
Jenny Hedström

8. A place on the platform: the participation of women in Karen community organizations
Nicholas Henry

PART IV: Including women in local decision-making processes

9. ‘Beyond almost all politicians there are women in the shadows’: Cambodian women’s experiences of local governance
Sue Gollifer

10. Making decentralization meaningful for marginalized communities: lessons from the Integrated Development Foundation in Cameroon
Julius Lambi and Oussematou Dameni

Conclusion: Learning from the stories of marginalized women
Julian Smith