Madden decided to include women from around the world, as she learned very little about black women from other countries when she was growing up in the United States. She has arranged the 101 short biographies in ten fields of endeavor. Military women include not only those who are members of armed forces, but officers' wives, spouses of enlisted men, military nurses, peace activists, and prostitutes who work near military bases.
Militarization is a subtle process and military values are pervasive.
They often appear non-threatening, such as pasta shaped like Star Wars satellites, and fashions featuring brass buttons and epaulettes. The volume's scope is international and covers all eras. Young Women Write About Body Image and Identity, which appeared in 1998. The editor, Ophira Edut, explains that the title and book cover were changed for copyright reasons. The new edition includes a revised introduction and two new chapters.