In the end market forces come into play. This can't be right. That said if a sponsor wants to pay the money, I'm willing to put the prizes up - just let's take a realistic and pragmatic approach. If the UCI or anyone else tries to impose conditions that don't seem reasonable, I simply won't promote, a net loss of racing which will help nobody. And lastly, I have noticed that not many people here in UK seem terribly exercised about the subject, while lots of your USA correspondents are.
Women are equal to men as human beings.
Better prizes for women is a great idea. Women are not inferior because their physical construction is different and therefore athletic performance is different. Their races are not necessarily inferior as a result of less speed. The women's race could easily be the best race at any given event based on other more subjective criteria, such as an incredible effort by the winner, teamwork, or spectator interest. That being said, cycling sponsorship is another issue entirely.