Edited by Victor Ojakorotu and Olawale Olaopa, two of the leading minds in African development issues, this volume showcases and shares knowledge of numerous areas where women have contributed to the socio-economic, cultural, religious and political development of their respective African societies. The articles featured in this engaging study will stimulate academic debates on perspectives and factors addressing women's empowerment and disempowerment. They also seek to demystify those impediments to women’s pathways to total liberation in the context of sustainable development everywhere in the African continent. Bringing together some of the best minds in development, this book, therefore, presents historical, theoretical, conceptual, and pragmatic contributions from the disciplines of political science, international relations, conflict studies, sociology, health sciences, development studies, public policy, management studies, economic history and public administration. It is therefore relevant for students and scholars in these disciplines and beyond. The volume examines different ways of analysing social and gender relations, and interrogates the relationship between academic and policy work in this field. It further investigates current thinking and concerns relating to the practice of social development and to the promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment, describing tools and frameworks to inform policy making and practice.