This study is based on the replies to a questionnaire sent in December 1968 to all Member States and Associate Members of UNESCO. It describes the extent and the consequences of illiteracy among women, and analyzes the factors impeding female literacy. The document shows the evolution of attitudes with respect to literacy programs for women; the current trends, including experiments in functional literacy; the efforts undertaken in different countries in order to eradicate illiteracy among women; and the experiments carried out in this field. (Author/DB)