This report suggests that women can become more visible in Mexican development through the Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). The DIF is a government agency that administers social assistance programs throughout Mexico and is run almost entirely by women. The report gives a short theoretical overview of women in development and then compares this research to statistical data and field research from the state of San Luis PotosÌ. The report summarizes programmatic and organizational changes in the DIF, highlighting the changing nature of social assistance in Mexico and the DIF. Finally, based on the comments of rural women and social workers, the report suggests that the DIF could play an important role in Mexicoís development.
