It is a misperception in the business community today that women have gone through the glass ceiling. They have not.

The federal pay act doesn't have good remedies and, as long as more women aren't in the House and Senate, that's not going to change. The good news is that more companies are doing more internal compensation studies, and that should help.

Too many of the women lack critical assignments that will give 'star' visibility in their companies, even though they are considered high potential," she said. "Such assignments enable a woman to prove herself by showcasing her skills, tenacity, leadership, and making a difference to the company's bottom line.

She took a job that few people would have touched.

That's pretty darn low, and these are the very best companies.

The fact is the gap has closed so little in the last 30 years that, at this rate, we'll catch up in a century. It's really disheartening.