One of the many prejudices I have encountered in talking about my Mormonism with those outside of the church is the idea that Mormon women are oppressed and have no will or power of their own within the church. Part of this may be due to the fact that Mormon missionaries used to be largely male (though more women are serving since 2012, when their age to serve changed from 21 to 19), and because our biannual General Conference is led by a group of exclusively male General Authorities. Even in church on an average Sunday, the people who lead typical Mormon meetings are male bishops and counselors. And of course, there is the reality that Mormon women are encouraged to have children, to stay at home with children, and the legacy of historical polygamy in Mormonism.
In fact, Mormon women are often given leadership roles in local congregations (called wards), though usually they have authority only over other women and children, in Relief Society or Primary. And Mormon women lead behind the scenes on many occasions. Any Mormon bishop knows that without the support of his Relief Society president or the women as a whole, little of his agenda will be carried through. Women bring meals, help organize and set up events, and provide the support necessary for men to do more of the visible work of the church.
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