In what ways has life improved—or not— for women in the 21st century?

While very different, both Sisi and Charlotte Baird face constraints because they are women: Sisi is defined by her husband's position, and Charlotte, whose wealth gives her certain freedoms, is nevertheless ordered around by her aunt and her future sister-in-law. Maintaining at least the appearance of propriety is essential for both. In what ways has life improved—or not— for women in the 21st century?

Women aren't just property as they were in the past. Women are valued for more than their looks and ability to bear children and run a good home. There is more respect for women. And there is more opportunities for women now. At least in the US. I am not sure about other countries. I know it varies in other countries.

I think life is much improved for women of the 21st century in the US and Europe and other advanced nations.
There are many more opportunities for women and they are making the most of them as they now make up majorities in medical and law school as an example.

This is certainly not the case in third world countries where their status is generally that of "property" and with very limited freedoms and opportunities.

I agree that for women in the Western culture, their life has greatly improved. I think that women are still judged heavily by their looks, and a lot of pressure is still there to look good at every age. Just as Sisi feared aging, most women still fight the aging process in various ways.

I agree that life has definitely improved for women today. Suffrage, birth control, and the acceptance of women working have made a huge difference. In my lifetime, I have seen greater opportunities for my daughters than I had. The fact that many men share household responsibilities with their wives helps too. Still, it has become a mixed blessing because women often feel compelled to "do it all." The pressure often now is internal.

Women are no longer chattel. Education, voting rights, self-determination have expanded choices and opportunities enormously even from the 1960's. I agree with dorothyl that pressure is often internal. It's fun to read historical fiction but I would not wish to return to the past. The best time for women is now.

Life has definitely improve for the women in the 21st century. We are so grateful that we are able to do the things we can in America. In the third world countries, many women do not have it so well. I am glad that we as women are moving forward.

The biggest thing that stands out for me is the simple fact that women can choose their own oath, the same as men. Marriage to a good, ie wealthy, man used to be one's end goal, and failing that, marriage to any man. Marriage was the way to exist and be a woman able to participate in society; beyond that, a single woman was irrelevant. Looking at where we are now, and where we have been, things are dramatically different and better for women.

Life has changed for women in countless ways--for one, women now have identities both inside and outside their home. They aren't expected to only marry and have children. As others have pointed out, this is all true for women in Western culture. Worldwide, much, unfortunately, hasn't changed for women in the 21st century.