Women Leaders in the Areas of Higher Education, the Legal Profession and Corporate Boards: Continued Challenges and Opportunities in the United States

Many believe the "womanproblem" has been solved, since women are now represented in powerfulpositions in government, academia, business, and the la. It is true that women today occupy more positions of power than ever; however, these numbers are quite small at the top level, especialjly or women of color. This article begins with an overview of women in the workforce and their presence in education; and then goes on to review the current data on women in three settings-higher education aculy, the law, and corporate boards. Next, it examines the barriers women encounter in reaching the top positions in their respective fields. Common obstacles women ace include: gender stereotypes, the struggles of balancing nork and famiy life, a lack of mentors and mobiliy. The article concludes with potential solutions to the impediments faced by women.