Bringing together activists and researchers this book reviews the different paths Sri Lankan women have taken to achieve greater political and economic empowerment and control over their lives after the independence in 1948. In the first part of the book researchers focus on various spheres where women are affected, including law and human rights, the impact of the continuing enthnic conflict, education and employment, health and population, changes in social structures and the emergence of women's organizations. The second part of the book presents the voices of Sri Lankan women themselves.