North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia has been called the "patriarchal belt," yet they are also experiencing the emergence of vibrant women's movements fighting for their own empowerment and other economic, political, and cultural changes. The 19 papers presented here by Moghadam (sociology and women's studies, Purdue U.) explore the history and current status of these movements and their impact on their societies. Papers examine women's political expression and activities in Palestine, Jordan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Tunisia, and Morocco over recent decades; women's economic, social, and cultural participation in India, Turkey, Morocco, Israel, Jordan, and Iran; and gendered issues of violence and human rights in Nepal, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)