global conditions for women

The assigned reading provides an overview of global conditions for women -- a difficult chapter to read but a topic I believe is quite important for us to understand. For this reflection, focus on three points discussed in the article that highlight difficult conditions women face in many parts of the world (such as economic inequality, violence, basic human rights). Based on the information provided in the reading, why do these conditions exist in many cases? For example, are they culturally based? Shaped by religious institutions? Finally, what do you believe might be attempted to improve or alleviate the conditions you have highlighted?