The literature review represents an initial segment of a study providing a comprehensive analysis of available data to determine the impact of institutional training on women. The literature review concerned secondary data sources such as national labor force statistics and government data relating to women as enrollees in manpower programs. Pertinent findings reflecting the analysis of previous studies in terms of women include: (1) emphasis appeared to be placed on training for women in high demand occupations, i.e., those with high turnover rates, (2) female trainees were seriously hampered by the lack of counseling, supportive services and flexible training schedules, (3) male trainees had more job alternatives available to them and were therefore less dependent on the training program. Three major sections of the document deal with: (1) labor force status, programs, and problems of women, (2) analysis of Manpower Development Training Act (MDTA) and other evaluation studies, and (3) interviews with Federal officials. Appendixes offer a questionnaire for Federal interviews, recommendations to address MDTA internal and external problem areas, and an eight-page bibliography. (MW)