As the title of this article states, "How Our World Is Changing," our world is constantly changing. Our world changes every day without most of us seeing or noticing any changes, but if we look back in history we can see some huge changes. As you study history, these changes become apparent, pop up, and become real. Among all the changes in our history, some of the most significant changes that have had an impact include; women's rights, civil rights and religion. Over the last forty years, women and people of color have made several strides towards achieving equal rights. The world's religions are as diverse as the individuals who participate in them. Since the 1950s, women have had to overcome many obstacles. In 1958 the proportion of women attending college to men was 35%. (Friedan,369) Women were supposed to be happy and content at home and take care of their family. In the late 1950s, many women began to feel they needed more, and so a movement was born. Women were attracted to the workforce in the 1960s, as the economy expanded and growing consumer aspirations fueled many families' desire for a second income. By 1960, 30.5 percent of all wives were working, and the number of women graduating from college was growing. (Echols, 400) Women soon discovered that they were treated differently and paid less than their male colleagues. In the mid-1970s, cities began to have women applying for firefighter positions and in the late 1970s, cities began to hire women as firefighters. This was just a small victory for the women. Dealing with men in a male-dominated department would be an even bigger struggle for women. (Seattle) A sexual harassment survey was conducted in 1995 and 551 female firestarters responded. The survey revealed that 88% of women had experienced sexual harassment. 73% of women said they were treated differently and negatively than their male colleagues. (Sexual Harassment) A longer survey was conducted in 1999 and the percentages increased when women were asked if they had experienced sexual harassment. I've heard several men say that women can't do this job because they aren't strong enough. Being a firefighter today requires more intelligence than 20 years ago. The ability to think clearly is one of the most important assets a firefighter must have today.