This report is intended to serve as the basis of the World Bank's support to the government of Turkey in the implementation of its policies to enhance the participation of women in the economic development process. The report provides background information on the situation of women in Turkey, including legal and health issues, and examines government strategies to incorporate women into national policies and programs. The main focus of the report is on increasing and raising the quality of women's participation in the labor force. To this end, the report gives particular attention to enhancing women's labor skills and income earning potential through education, technical training, and credit; and to opening their access to higher paying jobs in industry and agriculture. Turkey can benefit significantly in terms of increased productivity, enhanced family welfare, and reduced population growth by focusing more on the development potential of its women. The report advances three general propositions: (1) investments in women will promote economic development. Because of the critical role women play in their family's health and nutrition, and in the education of children, the benefits from investment in women's development tend to be spread more widely throughout society and across generations; (2) women contribute far more to the economy and to the family than is reflected in official statistics. Recognizing this will help policymakers in making informed decisions on resource allocation; and (3) easing the cultural and traditional constraints on women's productivity would lead to increased productivity and incomes. Includes numerous tables. Contains approximately 200 references. (DK)