This book, first published in 1991, examines the effect of government policies and social restrictions on the reproductive behaviour and family life of the women of Kenya. Women mobilised into a movement comprised of small local women's groups that attempt to educate and influence both its members and government policy.

Part 1. The Setting of the Study and Problem Formulation 1. Introduction 2. The Study Area and Methods of the Study 3. The Conceptual Framework of the Study Part 2. The Restructuring of Kikuyu Social Organization 4. Pre-Colonial Kikuyu Social Organization 5. The Situation during the Colonial Period 6. The Post-Colonial Women's Collective Activities Part 3. Patterns and Dynamics of Contemporary Women's Groups 7. The Interaction Patterns of Women's Groups 8. The Internal Structure and Characteristics of Contemporary Women's Groups 9. The Activities of Women's Groups 10. Summary and Conclusions: Women's Groups in Transition Part 4. Policy and Programme Implications for Africa 11. Regulation of Sex and Reproduction: The Case of Family Planning 12. AIDS in Africa: Prevention and Control Programmes