I agree that women's societal roles throughout Latin America are changing. I think that for North Americans this is often difficult to see because we look through the perspectives of our own country. Women in Latin America have played an immense role, eyt they have also played a role historically.
WOmen are the backbones of Latin American communities in many ways.
When I was in Mexico, I really noticed women's roles. It is very common that the men in Mexico spend a great amount of their time away from the home, looking for work in big cities or working in the United States. Throughout Latin AMerica, women have played a strong role in several positive social change movements. In regards to several people's comments about preferential treatment and job standards, I do not think that it is as simple as saying that we should all have the same standards. I think that standards are very often biased, as well as the opportunities which prepare people for different jobs.