Not sure if this article truly answers the question posed. A big study at UC Riverside says the size of the brain is more relevant to reading skills, not gender. Read for yourself, does this answer the question for you? Laurie Lucas writes for the Press Enterprise…

Article

Judy Gerstel at TheStar.com writes: ”

As with most issues of diversity in the workplace, it’s going to require a change in the perception of both society at large and couples at home before the situation will change significantly for women.

Meanwhile, employers progressive enough to bypass these social biases and implement flexibility and retention programs (and women’s washrooms with full-length mirrors!) are rewarded.”

I liked this article - simple yet straight-forward, unaccusing, matter-of-fact. Her point…even though women make up nearly half the workforce, it’s the level, pay and positions that indicate the Glass Ceiling still exists.

Full article

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire/ — Recent developments in the
legal profession are prompting law firms and corporate legal departments to
employ increasingly progressive recruiting and talent management
strategies, according to a just-released white paper from Robert Half
Legal, a legal staffing service specializing in attorneys, paralegals and
other highly skilled legal professionals. The paper, Best Practices for
Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Top Legal Talent, is part of the
company’s annual Future Law Office project. 

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    — Lawyers surveyed identified advancement opportunities, flexible work
schedules, career development or training, mentoring or leadership
training, and stock options or other equity bonuses as the most effective
incentives for retaining and motivating their best workers.

    — The recruitment and retention of minority groups remains an ongoing
challenge for many law firms. Some firms are instituting new initiatives
targeted specifically to women and minorities.
click here for full article

Trainingzone.co.uk writes: “With an increasing number of women taking up executive roles in management and leadership, is the glass ceiling becoming nothing more than an outmoded expression? Verity Gough talks to three inspiring women who have made it to the top.”

Also some interesting comments by readers, arguing about the glass ceiling - does it exist or not? One male reader says it is largely self-imposed. Wow as a gender issues expert I certainly disagree with this comment. Yes women can learn skills to help work their way up, and most interactions are a two-way street. Women can take responsibility for learning these skills. That said, by no means will such action eradicate the ceiling. Men, especially white men, cannot relate to the subtle and often not-so-subtle bias that pushes the ceiling down and holds it in place.

In any event, this article discusses relevant views from three women who have made it to the top in the UK, and their opinion about the glass ceiling.

Full article

The business world is wising up to the notion that the career patterns of men and women are not the same.

For the simple biological fact that women bear children — and often take on (sometimes gladly, sometimes grudgingly) a disproportionate share of family responsibility — women can expect far more career interruptions than men; eight compared to two according to one valid study.

And getting back into the workplace can be tough - and scary. These women face many obstacles, and some business schools are doing something about it

See full article from Vancouver Sun

The Wall Street Journal reports:

There have been a number of high-profile articles about well-educated, professional women “opting out” of the workforce after having children. But a new study published in the June issue of the “American Sociological Review” says that this so-called “opting out revolution” has been overblown.

Click here for summary of the study.

Women returning to work after a career break face a host of potential obstacles, says Barbara Moses, president of Toronto-based BBM Human Resource Consultants and author of Dish: Midlife Women Tell the Truth about Work, Relationships, and the Rest of Life. These include reorientation issues, concerns about child welfare and bouts of self-doubt.

Some women are concerned they will no longer be treated seriously and that their executive-track ambitions may be permanently lost.

Click here for full article by Sarah Treleaven on canada.com’s working.com

An important trend for women is the delay of marriage.  This is positive as women see a partner as a desirable enhancement to their life rather than a necessity to rush towards.  The trend encourages women to fully develop themselves rather than expecting a man to complete them.
click here

Australia’s Daily Telegraph reports on SPUD’s (Single Person Urban Dwelling) as a growing consumer force in Australia. Two interesting reflections of this global trend are the introduction of a glossy magazine just for singles in Los Angeles, and Singelringen, a ring for singles.
Singular Magazine celebrates the interests and lifestyles of 30+ college educated singles in Los Angeles.
Singelringen (”The Single Ring” in Swedish) is a unisex ring that reminds the single wearer they are already complete; while open to possibilities. The ring features a turquoise acrylic layer shining over a sterling silver band engraved with “made in Sweden” and a unique registration number that provides access to the Singelringen Global Community. Singelringen is worn by more than 150,000 singles in 20+ countries around the world.

Is the workaholic approach good for business? The evidence says “no” and indicates there is a positive payoff for organizations that help employees find a satisfying equilibrium between their work and private lives. Studies show that work/life balance yields happier, more effective employees.

Joan Gurvis has an interesting article in HREOnline, June 17, 2008

Click here

Harris Interactive in Rochester NY reports that 95% of 2,521 American workers believe that women have made important strides in the workplace in the last decade. However, 86% also think that the glass ceiling still exists. Survey from Women in the Workplace.