Argues that patterns of gender exclusion occur on multiple levels from the transnational to the local, and identifies gender-specific obstacles in the recovery and reconstruction period. In Haiti, these include meeting family survival needs, violence and exploitation, and class and racially based stigmatization.
Discusses aspects of violence in Jamaica and the efforts to improve the life of women in the country. Cites that the country has one of the highest per capita homicide rates in the world and that gender stereotyping is extensive and pronounced.