In this fascinating study, based on in-depth interviews with both male and female parliamentarians, women in nongovernmental organizations, and rural residents of Uganda, Sylvia Tamale explores how women's participation in Ugandan politics has unfolded and what the impact has been for gender equity. The book examines how women have adapted their legislative strategies for empowerment in light of Uganda's patriarchal history and social structure.

The author also looks at the consequences and implications of women's parliamentary participation as a result of affirmative action handed down by the state, rather than pushed up from a grassroots movement.