A definition of illiteracy is the inability to read and compute at the standard needed by an adult within a chosen social context. While statistics may vary depending upon the study, women make up the majority of the illiterates nationally and internationally. Three factors that contribute to illiteracy among women are social acculturation and sex-role stereotyping, personal problems that promote high school incompletion, and institutional barriers to women in adult basic education (ABE) programs. Programs geared to the needs of women entering ABE classes are beginning to surface. Nationally, other events and programs show promise in calling attention to the problems of illiteracy and the needs of illiterate women and men. The President's Adult Literacy Initiative has coordinated and targeted existing funds to be used for a variety of initiatives. Some speak to needs of women, particularly the Headstart parents' project and 80 demonstration projects for dropouts and teens. Much of the real difference may be made by volunteers; the national initiatives assume that volunteers will carry the load. The Cuban model shows volunteerism is viable when government supports its efforts. The self-help collective--a model of empowerment--is another approach that has been adopted. (YLB)