There has been much work on social networks and interpersonal worlds, but until recently little discussion of the unique aspects of women's networks. To examine the factors that constrain or facilitate such female bonding, 43 low-income urban mothers were interviewed. For these respondents, female bonding was a significant aspect of their lives. The people closest to them, who were primary sources of help with childcare and emotional support, were more often women than men. These women lived near their own families and shared a common interest in childrearing which facilitated bonding and outweighed the constraints of the conjugal relationship, isolation, competition with other women, and lack of common economic interests. Membership in a more female world was related to greater self-esteem and emotional well-being. The findings suggest that the promotion of female bonding will improve the quality of women's lives. (JAC)