The small number of incarcerated women is the main reason for the lack of attention to their conditions and needs. Female inmates face major restrictions on movement and on personal contact within and outside the institution. Boredom and inactivity characterize their institutional lives. The loss of love and family and an absence of meaningful training programs are major problems. Those who have children face particular anxieties, as do those who are pregnant when incarcerated. This issue of parental rights has not been resolved, although discussions have focused both on the parents and on the children. Vocational training opportunities for women inmates have improved, but skill-training opportunities are less than those for males. Women are often assigned maintenance chores or are trained in occupations related only to traditional female roles. Alternatives for dealing with women offenders should include evaluations of women's needs in each State and the development of adequate diversion and alternative programs in community centers. Additional suggestions focus on restitution, community service, and staff-inmate councils. Notes and 30 references are supplied.