As times change, so do standards. Women were previously seen as housewives, housewives, subordinates. In this new century, the situation has changed radically. Not only did women seek vast amounts of education, but they also sought means to expand and consolidate their skills. Although women continue to face discrimination, the playing field has leveled. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), in 2011, women made up 47% of the workforce (ages 16 and older). Their occupations varied, as did their marital and maternal status. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic and Statistical Administration (2011), 14% of households are headed by a single woman, while only 6% of households are headed by single men. There are more female-headed households, which means more and more women are the sole income earner in their household. The workplace plays a fundamental role in women's lives. Additionally, based on 2007-2008 data, more women than men between the ages of 24 and 35 have earned a college degree (Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration, 2011). This is a more educated workforce with the potential to make a significant impact in the areas of advancement (e.g. innovation), knowledge transfer (e.g. mentoring) and leadership (e.g. management). As a result, the policies of companies that employ women can have a positive or negative impact on their families, career advancement and earning potential, as well as the lives of those who depend on them. Mary Van der Boon (2003) in her article entitled “Women in international management: an international perspective on women's leadership methods”, describes......half of the document......considered a matter of respect . Secondly, when they have to travel to areas where women have never traveled before; their safety is of utmost concern. So definitely gender should be aggressively considered in terms of safety and cultural respect. Works CitedBloch, S. (2011). Expatriate women: work and careers abroad. Retrieved from http://www.expatwomen.com/expat-women-jobs-careers-abroad/8-steps-to-dissolving-the-glass-ceiling-susan-bloch.phpDrury, M. (2011). Women leaders in technology: Gender issues in higher education computing. NASPA Journal on Women in Higher Education, 4(1), 96-123.Ihlwain, M. (April 2008). Cracks in a particular glass ceiling. Business Week, 58.Van der Boon, M. (2003). Women in international management: an international perspective on women's leadership modes. Gender in management, 18(3/4), 132-146.