Their minds are ignored while their work is demanded. American women who are beginning to reap the benefits of a liberation that's only a few decades old will enter a world where it's still just a rumor. Even the reverence that men show women in a few cultures is a masked form of repression. On the other hand, applying western standards to the cultures of the developing world is idealistic at best. The reality of the histories which have led to the present moment is easily a match for high-mindedness.
Idealism is made of goals and air.
Though it provides fuel and direction for progress, it offers little but passion to the women traveler who absolutely must, in several parts of the planet, be careful. 1 - Hitchike with great caution. An unfortunate number of thoroughly self-justified men will see you as a potential sexual conquest. 2 - Dress conservatively. In some areas, showing belly, shoulder, leg and or arm skin is seen as offensive.