Introduction : from transition to participation-- women's movements and democratic politics / Jane S. Jaquette -- The (trans)formation and feminism(s) and gender politics in democratizing Brazil / Sonia E. Alvarez -- From dictatorship to democracy : the women's movement in Chile / Patricia M. Chuchryk -- Women and democracy in Argentina / María del Carmen Feijoó with Marcela María Alejandra Nari -- The uses of conservatism : women's democratic politics in Uruguay / Carina Perelli -- The difficult equilibrium between bread and roses : women's organizations and democracy in Peru / Maruja Barrig --Feminism, revolution, and democratic transitions in Nicaragua / Norma Stoltz Chinchilla -- Women's movements, feminism, and Mexican politics / Carmen Ramos Escandón -- Conclusion : women's political participation and the prospects for democracy / Jane S. Jaquette