Women represent over 50% of the population, but hold a very small percent of positions of power in the world. For example, women represent less than 15% of the United States Congress. The higher a person goes in education, business and politics, the fewer women we find in leadership roles. Even in fields traditionally dominated by women, such as teaching, when you survey the numbers of policy makers, superintendants, and principals, you will find a much higher percentage of men.

Victims of domestic violence are at least 90% more likely to be women, however. Women are the victims of unequal power relations in the home and in society. Until power is shared by men and women, and women are safe in their homes and in the streets, there will be a need to raise the consciousness of women and men through women's studies courses. There is also a need to raise the self concepts and aspirations of women to help them take their rightful place alongside men in charting the course of history.