Rural Women's Sexuality, Reproductive Health, and Illiteracy

"Based on twenty-five years of fieldwork, Rural Women's Sexuality, Reproductive Health, and Illiteracy: A Critical Perspective on Development examines rural women's behaviors toward health in several developing countries. These women are confronted with many factors: gender inequalities, violence from partners, and lack of economic independence. This book also gives insight into the general weakness of the health systems in place and questions the progress of numerous international conferences...all supporting women's empowerment as related to violence, education, and reproductive health...This book examines the women who choose clandestine sex work, their clients' sexual behavior, and attitudes toward prostitution and HIV prevention. It also explores the negotiations between promiscuous, migratory men, and the ties of sexuality and fertility that women use to bind themselves to a male partner. This book argues for effective delivery of healthcare programs accompanied by multi-lateral responses from the civil society, governments, donors, and agencies. This book is a useful resource for scholars as well as consultants and staff working in development agencies, public health personnel, and the general public interested in women's conditions in developing countries." -- Back cover.