This paper discusses the disadvantaged state of women in South Africa, including statistics that illustrate effects of their lack of status on their health and well being. It then focuses on the role in South Africa of the community library and information services in empowering especially women. Barriers experienced in information delivery to women are listed, followed by a description of how the Tshwane Community Library and Information Services have come a long way towards breaking these barriers. A list follows of everyday real life problems in which special emphasis is given on disseminating information to women. Emphasis is given on the need for a community network of stakeholders that can help make women aware of the importance of information in their lives, and examples of these community "stakeholders" are given. Educational services that can enable people to teach themselves are identified. Discussion then moves to the establishment and maintenance of a reading and learning culture and issues related to and ideas for outreach activities and programs. (AEF)