A study examined the barriers that Missouri women encounter when trying to gain access to better-paying jobs; trends in women's employment status in the state; and the services that women receive from the state's existing employment, training, and supportive services. A total of 2,104 women were contacted through a random statewide household telephone survey of women who are working or have worked and questionnaires that were mailed to women in employment, training, and vocational programs across the state; in addition, 230 interviews were conducted in face-to-face or small group situations. More than one in four respondents reported serious problems in finding out about job openings, nearly one in five reported employment barriers arising from family responsibilities (especially problems in obtaining suitable child care), nearly one in five reported serious problems associated with a lack of education and/or work experience, and nearly one in eight reported problems related to inadequate job benefits. Labor market data indicated that nearly two-thirds of the employed women in Missouri tend to occupy a rather narrow range of traditionally female-dominated occupations, and women appeared to earn less than their male counterparts in practically every occupational category. Although federally and state-funded employment and training programs have benefitted many women throughout the state, many of those who need these services most remain ineligible for them or are not considered appropriate clients. (MN)