Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:Today’s woman is a highly self-directed person, alive to the sense of her dignity and the importance of her functions in the private domestic domain and the public domain of the world of work. Women are rational in approach, careful in handling situations and want to do things as best as possible.The Fourth World Conference of Women held in Beijing in September 1995 had emphasised that no enduring solution of society’s most threatening social, economic and political problems could be found without the participation and empowerment of women. The 1995 World Summit for Social Development had also emphasised the pivotal role of women in eradicating poverty and mending the social fabric.The Constitution of India has conferred on women equal rights and opportunities – political social, educational and of employment – with men. Because of oppressive traditions, superstitions, exploitation and corruption, a majority of women are not allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities, bestowed on them.One of the major reasons for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and awareness among women. Education is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing inequality and accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of women. The role of women in a society is very important. Women’s education is the key to a better life in the future. A recent World Bank study says that educating girls is not a charity, it is good economics and if developing nations are to eradicate poverty, they must educate the girls.The report says that the economic and social returns on investment in the education of the girls considerably affect the human development index of the nation. Society would progress only if the status of women is respected and the presence of an educated woman in the family would ensure the education of the family itself. Education and empowerment of women are closely related.Women’s education has not received due care and attention from the planners and policymakers. The National Commission for Women has rightly pointed out that even after so many years of independence, women continue to be treated as the single largest group of backward citizens of India.The role of women in overall development has not been fully understood nor has it been given its full weight in the struggle to eliminate poverty, hunger, injustice and inequality at the national level. Even when we are living in the 21st century, our society still discriminates against women in matters of their rights and privileges and prevents them from participating in the process of national and societal progress.Various committees and commissions have been constituted before and after the independence to evaluate the progress in women’s education and to suggest ways and means to enhance the status of women.1. Mention some of the qualities of a modern woman.2. Who has conferred equal rights and opportunities for women?3. Where and when was the Fourth World Conference of Women held?4. Which is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing inequality for women?5. Mention the recent World Bank study, according to the passage.6. Why have various committees and commissions been constituted before and after the independence?Choose from the passage the words that mean:7. Allowing no freedom.8. Bring to a complete end.