One volume in a series for the classroom, this document contains readings, resources, exercises, and statistical information concerning women and their places in their respective societies. The report covers such topics as women in the family, size of families, health, divorce, education, life expectancy, infant mortality, and women in the labor force and in school. A survey of 121 countries conducted by the United Nations assessed the position of women at the end of the U.N. Decade form Women. The findings showed that world leaders have become more aware of the contributions of women as well as of their special problems. Ninety percent of the countries have official government offices dedicated to the advancement of women. Worldwide in 1985, 71 percent of young girls were in primary school compared to 64 percent in 1975. Women have entered the world labor force at the rate of 10 million per year during the past decade. The document also contains tables, charts, a glossary of terms, and a multiple choice test review. (DB)