womens

Women are adult human females. In contemporary usage the term also includes people who identify as women, regardless of sex assigned at birth. The word “woman” is the singular form; “women” is the plural. Its etymology traces to Old English wīfmann, from wīf “woman” and mann “person.”

Demographically, women constitute roughly half of the global population. Life expectancy for women generally exceeds that of men in many countries, but women often face unequal access to health care, education, economic opportunities, and political influence. Economic participation varies widely by country, culture, and era, and gender disparities can intersect with other social factors such as race and class.

Historically, women's social status has varied by society. Many cultures assigned primary roles in caregiving and family life, while others accorded formal authority in certain domains. Modern development and human-rights movements have sought equal rights and opportunities, advancing laws on voting, education, workplace protections, reproductive autonomy, and protection from gender-based violence. Despite progress, disparities persist, including wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and systemic discrimination.

Women contribute across all sectors, including science, technology, business, arts, sports, and public life. Representation and leadership diversity remain central topics in policy and culture, with ongoing efforts to address barriers and enable equitable participation. Intersectional approaches recognize how race, ethnicity, age, disability, and other identities interact with gender, shaping experiences and outcomes.