The outcomes of 43 project case studies and a country case study (Nepal) were examined to identify the impact of adult women's literacy. A look at women's situation in developing countries showed that women had multifarious roles, long working hours, and less access to education than males. The case studies revealed the following social effects of women's literacy: (1) a greater likelihood of using child health-care techniques; (2) enhanced readiness to send children to school; (3) cleaner homes and better child nutrition; and (4) greater disposition to space families. Among the economic effects of literacy were greater capacity to mobilize credit, greater willingness to use banks, and readiness to participate in and establish economic organizations. Personal effects included release from fears of humiliation and powerlessness, readiness to influence family decisions, increased cooperation in socioeconomic organization, and new capacity for leadership. A strong case was made for taking women's literacy more seriously. Components of a United Kingdom government policy and strategy and nongovernmental organization policies and strategies were suggested. Allocation of additional resources and more research were recommended. The transcript of "Women and Literacy," a speech by Lynda Chalker, follows the report's seven chapters. Appendixes include the following: United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Relevant Extracts; a checklist for participation of women in developing projects; a list of case studies; and a list of 62 references. (YLB)