The author presents an historical and cultural analysis of the place of women in society. It is stated that historically women have had to assume an aggressive role to become educated. In addition, as far back as the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, one finds records which indicate that women had to seek opportunities to study and to learn. The point is made that while on the surface it may appear to some that women willingly accepted a more subservient role in education during the early years of our history, one would need to study the culture and attitudes of the time to understand the many barriers which women had to overcome to be permitted even the minimum opportunities to seek education. The question is asked why it is taking so long for women to be recognized as equals in education. This is followed by a discussion of the major influences upon the Women's Rights movement. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance for women of continuing to work for change and to ensure that institutions be responsive to women's needs. (Author/BW)