A study of women in migration in Third World countries since 1960 reveals that, contrary to assumptions, more women are migrating autonomously from rural to urban areas in an often unsuccessful effort to improve their economic status. The results of the study of migration patterns in Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East show that males generally dominate the migrant population under age 50, while females dominate the population over age 50. Central and South America are exceptions. Women migrate to join their spouse or family; find a spouse; improve their economic situation; or take advantage of better schools, housing, and medical facilities in urban areas. Most women migrants are either under 25 or over 50 years old. The younger women tend to be single; the older women are separated, divorced, or widowed. Women migrants, who have the lowest educational level among migrants, tend to migrate from rural areas to large urban centers where they accept the lowest paying, lowest status jobs. Migration apparently causes greater instability and divorce but improves women's status within the family. Policymakers must restructure social services and urban and rural development policies to respond to the needs of the autonomous female migrant. (SB)