Jo Beall

LETTER FROM LONDON

As in any country, differences among women in England are as stark as any issues or interests they may share in common. NAWO is the only comprehensive umbrella organization providing information, advice, support and advocacy for all womens organisations in England. The organisation grew out of the Womens Organisations Interest Group at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. It became independent inMay 1989andnowhasa membership of over 200 affiliated organisations representing more than five million women. Together with sister alliances from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, NAWO works at the European level through the European Womens Lobby; its aim is to enable the voice of women in England to be heard, through the elected representatives, in the policy-making centres of Europe. At the United Nations (UN) level, NAWO works through its membership of the World Issues Group.

REVERSED REALITIES: GENDER HIERARCHIES IN DEVELOPMENT THOUGHT

Reviewed by Jo Beall, a lecturer in social policy and planning in developing countries, London School of Economics and Political Studies, University of London

Nawal El Saadawi

--------------------A world renowned writer who s writing has influenced five generations of women and men in Egypt , in Arab countries and in many other societies , and paved the way for dissidence , rebellion and revolution . For more than four decades she has suffered under Egyptian political and religious authorities , which has led to imprisonment , exile , death threats and court trials .