woman

A woman is an adult human who identifies as female. In everyday use, the term encompasses both cisgender women—those whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth—and transgender women, who were assigned male at birth but identify as women. The concept also intersects with culture, law, and individual experience, so definitions of who counts as a woman can vary across societies.

Biologically, females typically have reproductive anatomy including ovaries and, in many but not all cases, XX chromosomes. However sex development is diverse, and female identity does not depend on a single biological pattern.

Historically, women have held varied roles worldwide, from caretakers to leaders. Societal expectations and legal rights have shifted through suffrage movements, education access, and anti-discrimination laws. Today, many countries recognize women's equal rights in work, politics, and family life, while disparities persist in pay, representation, violence, and access to healthcare.

Health considerations for women include reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause, and gender-specific diseases. Access to gender-affirming care and culturally competent health services matters for transgender women as well.

Overall, the term woman denotes a diverse group with shared social and cultural recognition as adults who identify as female, while acknowledging wide variation in biology, identity, and experience.