There is a need to reduce barriers to women's employment in skilled trades and related blue-collar jobs. Women have been found to perform successfully as machinists, carpenters, welders, or other blue-collar workers. Why are more women working outside the home? Almost three-fourths are working because they need the money. Aware that "men's jobs" pay more, more women are turning to these occupations. With social support for breaking out of the stereotyped image, more women are now able to acknowledge their interests and seek personally satisfying work. Nevertheless, statistics show that only 4% of skilled blue-collar jobs are held by women. By 1970, there were 495,000 women (an increase of 80% over the 1960 figure) employed in skilled trades. Employment discrimination has not ended. Now, however, state and federal laws guarantee women's equal employment opportunities. In addition, affirmative action, required of all federal contractors, can be demanded of other employers under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 if investigation reveals a discrimination pattern. That many women have the aptitudes to perform jobs dominated by men has been demonstrated by tests and on-the-job experience. Employers and unions are finding that women are capable of handling blue-collar jobs and that they are eager for an opportunity to succeed. (This booklet was produced for use with the film, "Why Not a Woman?"--see note.) (CSS)