"This book examines the framework of traditional social values, cultural patterns and customary practices, and the political and economic forces which influence women's way of life and development. The application is to women in Eritrea, but the implications can be derived for women and development in other countries of the developing world. The book presents an analysis of the institutional barriers to gender equality.

It describes how to uncover hidden values and cultures in order to stimulate new, gender-equitable ways of thinking. This book provides technical information on gender issues that can form the basis for policy actions and development programs. It also can provide hypothesis for more in-depth research concerning gender issues. It is evident that very little information about the lives and work of Eritrean women exists.

Reasons for the extreme dearth of information about women are, no doubt, complex, but they probably include: a general reticence and reservation - based in history and culture - to ask for and give information about women; a lack of motivation or research for learning about women; and the lack of a conceptual framework for looking at women as a separate entity with unique culture. This book can serve as a useful source of information and reference for policy makers, professionals, researchers, and consultants who are interested in issues related to social transformation and development and as an educational resource for schools and libraries.

Thus, the book should be of interest to everyone and read by all people concerned with the issue of traditional gender roles and their impact upon political affairs, social progress and economic development."--BOOK JACKET.