Women's and gender studies contribute greatly to our understanding of the social and cultural world in which we live. The study of the complex issues in this field has made it possible to identify numerous key insights. Two major ideas that have had a positive impact on our society are raising awareness through learning and through the awareness-raising activism that can result from it. This Women's and Gender Studies course, like all courses, would have produced awareness by coherently explaining the situations women face in today's world. . We may not know these situations until we teach them. By knowing about these events, one can act correctly accordingly. Many men and women took the opportunity to take courses in women's and gender studies and have since made great strides in making a difference in the unjust society we face. Knowledge is power. An example of awareness-generating activism can be seen in the war against Iraq. When someone learns that an unjust war is being fought, they now know the circumstances and will act as they see fit to end the injustices. The same can be seen in women's activism. When people are informed about women's rights, they understand the circumstances and can act accordingly to help end the problems. Anne-Marie O'Connor's article on maquiladora women in Mexico and their terrible working conditions raised awareness of this issue, as did Sam Dylan's article on the mistreatment of these women. offered and the information available. Only a few decades ago, we would not have heard of it. It is thanks to the growing awareness of women's status as second-class citizens that activism has increased. Through various media, we have heard about topics such as the "glass ceiling", working conditions of women in third world countries, current injustices against women perpetrated in the first world, reproductive rights, such as written by Angle Davis, and other limitations imposed on women. Awareness breeds activism. When a person is properly informed about a situation that needs to be alleviated, they can now take action to reduce the problem. Courses and organizations on women and gender issues are very helpful in raising awareness across the country. As more people become informed on the topic, there is a good chance that a percentage of them will take action..