Synopsis This book makes a critical examination of women in India, with special reference to the state of Tamil Nadu, locating the deterrents evidencing their empowerment, it evolves a set of determinants of women empowerment through consultation with a cross-section of rural women. It further provides an in-depth analysis of the lives and workers of select rural women. Finally, it evaluates the policy implications of these deterrents and determinants to the government as well as NGOs. The book will be useful for researchers, policy makes and development workers.