Women in the West will continue to make historical strides in 'leveling the playing field' as it relates to career opportunities and equality with men. Although there will be the issue of men not having the same options as women, whether to stay home and raise children or compete in the work force, the choice of the individual woman's goals shall be more and more respected in society. Generally, the home maker will regain much lost status as one of an important contributor to the well-being of their children and thus society. I expect government funding cuts to women's organizations very soon, almost in direct proportion to the percentage of female graduates (presently at 40%) of college and universities.

The issue of female physical abuse in the West will gain more social prominence and make historical inroads in changing male attitudes to general acceptance in the community that such behaviour is very wrong and illegal. Although, abuse of women won't ever be entirely elliminated, statistics will drop dramatically within the next few years. One reason will be harsher penalties and mandatory sentencing for offenders (due in part to women's increasing power and education).

One behind the scenes cultural change is beginning to happen in Asia, the Middle East and developing countries as regards to women and their place and status in those societies. It originates from the viewpoint that 'all things modern and right' comes from the West. Women outside of the 'modern' countries are beginning to embrace concepts of personal freedom and eguality with men. Although there has been a censorship of sorts so that Western thought and ideals don't 'corrupt' their social fabric, women are reading the magazines, watching the movies and more are getting educated in 'modern' universities. This change won't gather headway or surface for quite a few years yet, but it is happening.

I expect women of influence on the international stage to bring pressure to bear on the world bodies, like the UN, within a few short years, to force countries to abandon ancient religious practices which suppress and harm women like female genitalia mutilation and pre-arranged marriages. It will be a very powerful lobby which wins the approval of all civilized societies, but will create a long-standing conflict between cultures. (see 'Religion section' for more)

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