As times change, so do standards. Previously, women were considered housewives, housewives and subordinates. In this new century, the situation has changed radically. Not only did women seek a thorough education, but they also sought ways to expand and solidify their skills. Although women continue to face discrimination, qualifications have stabilized. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), in 2011, women made up 47 percent of the workforce (ages 16 and older). Their occupations varied, as did their marital status and motherhood. Additionally, according to the Department of Commerce's Economic and Statistical Administration (2011), 14 percent of households are headed by a single woman, while only 6 percent of households are headed by single men. There are more female-headed households, which means more women are the sole earners in their household. The workplace plays a vital role in women's lives. Additionally, according to 2007-2008 data, more women than men aged 24 to 35 earned a college degree (US Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration, 2011). This is a more educated workforce with the opportunity to make a significant impact in the areas of advancement (e.g. innovation), knowledge transfer (e.g. mentoring) and leadership (e.g. management). Therefore, the policies of companies that employ women can have an impact. positive or negative effect on their home, career development and earning potential, as well as on 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 styles", describes...... middle of article...... considered as a question of respect. Second, when they have to travel to areas where women have never traveled before; their safety is the biggest concern. It is therefore certain that gender should be taken into account aggressively in terms of safety and cultural respect. Works Cited Bloch, S. (2011). Expatriate women: employment 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 information technology in higher education. NASPA Journal about 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 styles. Gender in management, 18(3/4), 132-146.