This study examines Sudanese women's perceptions of how land or cattle ownership, family relations, household social structures, and other social realities may stimulate women's opportunities to obtain better resources in the Sudan. Obtaining information from women themselves is essential for understanding issues affecting the formulation of policies and programs relevant to the needs of African women. Such an understanding can facilitate their participation in both the formal and informal sectors, thereby improving women's situation and increasing their contribution to the development, transformation, and rebuilding of their societies. While the situation of women in other societies differs in some respects, many of the issues addressed by Sudanese women are also relevant to other African societies. We have therefore interviewed women about their lives in order to present southern Sudanese women's own opinions of how social realities affect their positions as women, as well as to elucidate the challenges they face as they take on new roles as decision-makers and providers for their families.