The nine case studies presented in this brochure are drawn from a longer UNFPA report entitled, "Culture Matters: Working with Communities and Faith-based Organizations". It highlights the necessity of mainstreaming cultural analysis and sensitivity in development efforts addressing issues such as gender equality and equity, HIV/AIDS, female genital cutting, gender-based violence and reproductive health. Programmes in Brazil, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Uganda and Yemen are analyzed.

Many studies have recognized the importance of improving the status of impoverished women. This workshop report describes a number of approaches used to date to empower women economically, including microcredit. The report includes a review of the literature on women's economic empowerment and a summary of presentations from the workshop.

This report of the global meeting on Skewed Sex Ratios at Birth: Addressing the Issue and the Way Forward, held in October in Viet Nam, provides an overview of the meeting and delves into some key trends, determinants, consequences and responses on the issue. Challenges and recommendations are also included.