Urban poverty is a multi-dimensional problem which has been studied from different perspectives by various researchers. An important way of understanding the magnitude of urban poverty is by exploring the conditions of life in urban slums. More important is to understand the problems and needs of slum women who have the primary responsibility of their families. Any improvement in their status will directly benefit the families as a unit. This paper aims to highlight the perceptions, sufferings and felt needs of urban poor women, based essentially on case studies conducted in a slum of Delhi. A few suggestions for betterment in the quality of life of urban slum dwellers have also been given.