Women of many nations, particularly the industrialized countries, are achieving greater opportunity and equality in the working world. The rate at which women are joining the work force has confounded all predictions and created unexpected difficulties in securing equal pay and access to jobs and training. The most direct discrimination, separate wage scales for men and women, has been resolved for most occupations in the industrialized countries. Yet women's earnings remain substantially lower than men's. Sweden is regarded as a model for other countries because it considers married women an important source of labor and has made provisions to accommodate them in the labor force. International organizations have given increasing attention to women's employment issues. The International Labor Organization has emphasized education and training for women and a review of the effects of social security systems on women. The United Nations has provided for development of regional plans to achieve equality for women and to integrate women into their nation's development efforts. In general, labor unions have moved as slowly as employers in pressing for equal treatment for women. Working women's networks, formal and informal contacts among women for advice and assistance, are becoming an important force internationally. (LMS)