Tessa Fletcher, a blogger for Weld My World, attacked a subject that isn’t necessarily written about a lot: how women can most effectively work and thrive in an environment populated mostly by men. While she comes at it from the welder’s perspective, we at The SmartVan think the advice she doled out would work for any industry where women aren’t as commonly seen. As gender roles change and are redefined, more women are assuming roles traditionally filled by men. Don’t gossip, or hang out with large groups of women at work. Don’t flirt. MORE >>

The only place I’ve ever seen more women than men on a jobsite has been some Habitat for Humanity projects. Construction supervisor Paul Wafula says “We initially started off with few women, but over the past year, the performance of women has simply shocked us,&# he says. “As a result, we have gradually taken in more women and have not regretted it.&# Wafula also noted that women take instructions better than men and argue less on the jobsite, improving the overall atmosphere. Most micro-loans go to women. MORE >>

It would be wrong of me as the feminist I have always believed I was to address the hype or the hyperbole regarding the "war on women." But I see many men of late and women acting on impulse to somehow protect, serve and justify their actions and deeds with little concern as to the widespread affect. And if you listen carefully, you'll hear the women sighing a little bit more than the men. But the idea is that women are identified by their labels and associations with identities as those relegated to sidekicks - Mother, Sister, Daughter, Wife. Char-women? MORE >>

Its really that simple Women have long been paid less. by design and by intent but after reading this article today in the New York Times discussing why women are less likely to receive compensation comparable to their male counterparts I had to laugh. the primary reason was that women who asked for raises were seen as "less attractive." will let you read the article to see the factors and methods suggested as to how women can find themselves in better financial situations when it comes to their work and value. It may be that some women have lower pay expectations. MORE >>

Of late I feel that on one had there is the triumphant cry that this is the year of women as noted by the rise of women in the current mid term elections. Then I look at the women and wonder where these women come from. These are not qualities I find common to women I know. To eschew the road women have taken and the road we still travel is something I cannot ignore. So I question of course when women like Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina are attacked for their aggressive management style. Seriously? That said I am very much a product of gender. MORE >>