The right to participate in decision-making at the local, national, and international level is one which women are often denied, whether as active citizens or as leaders. In particular, women living in poverty often have very little opportunity to influence decisions and policies that will have a direct influence on their lives and livelihoods, and on the welfare of themselves and their communities. This paper is part of a set of ten papers which bring together lessons and experience on women's leadership and participation from Oxfam GB and its partners.