Historically, the roles and statuses of women varied significantly across cultures. In many traditional societies, women were often confined to domestic roles, primarily as wives and mothers. However, there were cultures where women held substantial power, such as in matriarchal societies. In certain regions, women participated actively in economic activities, politics, and religious ceremonies. The Industrial Revolution further altered women's roles by introducing them into the workforce, leading to evolving perceptions of gender and a gradual shift toward advocating for women's rights and suffrage.