Until now, there has been little coordinated research on the role of women in the economics of developing countries, or on the impact of the international economy on women in those countries. Here, Susan Joekes not only examines women who are engaged in what is defined as gainful, or wage earning employment, she also considers the role of women in unpaid labor such as household work, farm work on their own land, and other activities that put them in the position of managing resources. Specially commissioned by the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Womem (INSTRAW), this study examines such topics as trade and finance, technological change, agriculture, industry, services, and emerging trends in the international economy as related to women, and concludes with proposals for innovative development policies.