Poor people s experiences with government institutions are largely negative, even when government programs were rated as important. Corruption, rudeness and poor quality services seemed to be the norm, whether in health care or in programs of social support. But the poor still greatly value government programs, and feel governments have important roles to play in their lives. The presence of NGOs in the various countries is uneven, but where they are at work their contributions are generally appreciated. The poor find their own local networks and institutions to be the most dependable.
Gender relations are in troubled transition, with violence against women frequent.