I just received an email announcement about these two books that I thought some of you may want to know about:

1. Dropout of Girl-Child in Schools / Dr. Lakshmi Jain

2. HIV and AIDS : Vulnerability of Women in Asia and Africa / Edited by
Kiran Prasad and U. V. Somayajulu

1. Dropout of Girl-Child in Schools / Dr. Lakshmi Jain.  1st ed. New Delhi,
Northern Book Centre.  2008.  291 p. List Price: $ 53.90 ISBN: 8172112446 

"This book is a maiden publication, based on research work in the field of
women education. It has implications reaching far beyond the city of
Bareilly (U.P.) -- the area of field investigation. A genuine attempt has
been made to explore the diverse historical, demographical,
socio-psychological, educational as well as economic dimensions of women
education. Very simple, everyday, down-to-earth happenings have been cited,
which will propel the readers and leaders, to a higher level of, both
purpose and commitment, towards enhancing women education. A vivid
description, through ample illustrations like maps, graphs, tables and
photographs, has been made. A detailed bibliography and questionnaire would
help readers in further research. A comprehensive subject index would
facilitate easy reference. A detailed study of government initiatives,
Five-year plans and the current budget proposals has been made. The idea
behind the book is to respond to the two challenges of (a) increasing the
availibility of education by expanding the number of schools for girls, or,
taking the schools to the unreached girls, thereby increasing supply and
(b) improving the accessibility of education by reducing costs, thereby
increasing demand."

2. HIV and AIDS : Vulnerability of Women in Asia and Africa / Edited by
Kiran Prasad and U. V. Somayajulu.  1st ed. Delhi, The Women
Press.  2008. 403 p. List Price: $ 65.00 ISBN: 8189110187 

"`HIV and AIDS' : Vulnerability of Women in Asia and Africa is a valuable
advocacy tool for addressing the complex challenge of drawing attention to
empower women to protect themselves and their families from the epidemic.
This book focuses on the vulnerability of women in Asia and Africa to
HIV/AIDS from various forces such as the wider social, cultural, economic
and political factors. It takes a hard look at the risks of HIV/AIDS that
affect women directly or indirectly through poverty, lack of education and
livelihood opportunities, inhuman traditions, low social status, poor
health care and lack of control over sexual relationships. The studies
presented here on sexual behaviour, knowledge of AIDS, attitudes and
behaviour change communication point to actions that can be strengthened
and stepped up to arrest the spread of the epidemic.

The findings documented in this book have important implications for
prevention, treatment and care of women infected by HIV/AIDS. They also
provide insight into factors related to sexual behaviour across gender, age
groups and populations. This book will also provoke fresh debates on
educational and communication strategies addressing the vulnerability of
women on HIV/AIDS. This book will be a key reference for a diverse group
ranging across researchers, health experts, policy makers, voluntary
organizations, social and community workers, donor agencies, media
professionals and students, facing the daunting task of empowering women on
an urgent basis and focussing effective HIV/AIDS prevention strategies
which will determine the future course of the AIDS edidemic in Asia and
Africa."