A short-sighted ban
The US has played the bully again. Even as beedi has been a part of the American life for at least over a decade, it's only recently that it has come under glare.

Women want enabling environment, not reservations
Information should be made more readily available to women enterpreneurs. There should be networks for women entrepreneurs, and inter-state and inter-country dialogue.

Villagers rally to force the government to act
An intense sea of village women listen quietly to speakers from the city seated on a podium. ``You are woman power, you are India,'' thunders a high court judge.


  Short Takes
  A sanctuary for the AIDS victims
  Self-employed women plot their own progress
  Wanted -- A green TV
  `Fight AIDS and not people with AIDS'