Q: I am a fierce women's advocate. But sometimes I feel pressure to support women who don't meet my standards of competence or behavior. How do I manage this—or should my support be unconditional?

A: The desire for gender equality is a historical aspiration woven deep into the fabric of our society. The emotion and energy generated in its pursuit has ebbed and flowed throughout time … and the road that has led us to where women stand today in society … personally and professionally has indeed been a rocky one.

We are currently at a moment in time and in history, where the women's movement is once again front and center with increased awareness and building momentum. Fueled by courage in the face of political and corporate controversy, women are banding together in greater numbers to press for equal pay, equal opportunity and equal rights. And working to dismantle the subtle … and not so subtle discriminations that can, and often do compromise a career.