Sri Lanka’s achievement in political independence in 1948 has, since then, led to a considerable progress in various spheres. This volume adopts a gender perspective, and discusses the impact that social, political and economic developments have had on women, during the time. This study has brought together activists and scholars to review the different paths Sri Lankan women have taken to achieve greater political and economic empowerment and control over their lives. The first part of the book focuses on the various spheres in which women are affected, including law and human rights, ethnic conflict and violence, education, employment, health and so on. The second part, presents the voices and life stories of the women themselves. The macro issues discussed adds a valuable dimension to the volume. The wide range of gender-specific issues discussed in the publication attracts activists and scholars with interest in the fields of gender studies, politics, development studies, history and sociology.