Commentary
Local political conditions, such as the impact of war and ethnic conflict and structural adjustment policies, present enormous obstacles to affordable housing. Listening to the stories of women’s experiences of homelessness, vulnerability to homelessness and their efforts to provide their own affordable housing, one could not dispute that the disproportionate responsibility women have within the family and their lower status in society increase the difficulties they face.

To be sucessful affordable housing programs are to be designed and implemented in partnership with grassroots women's organizations, tailored to meet the needs of their communities, aim to eliminate homelessness and build in safety. at the same time addressing the stigmatization and disenfranchisement experienced by the homeless.