Traditional sex role stereotypes, as reflected in the attitudes and values of rural southern females, educators, employers, male partners, parents, and communities, have a negative influence on the southern rural female's desire for and access to non-traditional training and employment; black females face both racial and sexual bias. Mothers exert the strongest influence on their daughters' career decisions. Although federal educational policies and programs can offer opportunities for rural women to gain employment in traditionally male-dominated occupations, real change must come from rural women and others who help determine vocational choices and opportunities. A growing number of women are joining together and seeking assistance in entering non-traditional vocations, many for economic motives. Community-based organizations are expanding opportunities for women. Provision of information about economic opportunities in non-traditional vocations is one means of overcoming traditional obstacles. Information programs should: (1) include wage and salary information; (2) furnish education and career information for mothers; (3) encourage a non-sexist approach to vocational education in public school systems; (4) prepare information for potential employers and co-workers; (5) provide counseling for female vocational education students; (6) sponsor demonstration programs in the community; (7) utilize women's networks and groups; and (8) encourage rural organizations to disseminate information and foster change. (CM)