This collection of studies is the first title published by the Department of Women & Gender Studies at the University of Buea, Cameroon. The volume provides examples of research undetaken in different parts of Cameroon on poverty reduction, women plantation workers, gender relations within the University and on masculinity in the city of Douala. It includes contributions on the efforts of local faith communities to enhance the quality of life and empowerment of women; the voices representing a wide range of men and women of the faith communities. The volume provides examples of research undertaken by the Department of Women & Gender Studies in different parts of Cameroon on poverty reduction, women plantation workers, gender relations within the university and on masculinity in a major city, Douala. The papers further consider the role of international NGOs and work done by the church in and conclude with two papers on labour relations in Barbados. The book is the result of a collaborative, international research project. Two of the editors, both of whom have had long association with Cameroon, are from Oxford University and the University of the West Indies.