A woman is a female human being. The word woman is usually reserved for an adult ; girl is the usual term for a female child or adolescent. The plural women is also sometimes used for female humans, regardless of age, as in phrases such as " women's rights ". Typically, a woman has two X chromosomes and is capable of pregnancy and giving birth from puberty until menopause. Female anatomy, as distinguished from male anatomy, includes the fallopian tubes , ovaries , uterus , vulva , breasts , Skene's glands , and Bartholin's glands.
The female pelvis is wider than the male, the hips are generally broader, and women have significantly less facial and other body hair. On average, women are shorter and less muscular than men.
Throughout human history , traditional gender roles have often defined and limited women's activities and opportunities; many religious doctrines stipulate certain rules for women. With restrictions loosening during the 20th century in many societies, women have gained access to careers beyond the traditional homemaker , and the ability to pursue higher education.
Violence against women , whether within families or in communities, has a long history and is primarily committed by men. Some women are denied reproductive rights. The movements and ideologies of feminism have a shared goal of achieving gender equality.
Some women are trans those who have a male sex assignment that does not align with their gender identity , [1] or intersex those born with sexual characteristics that do not fit typical notions of male or female. It is a popular misconception that the term "woman" is etymologically connected to "womb".
