I believe that women in business must acknowlege their place in the current business climate in the United States, and in doing this, must celebrate our accomplishments, of which there are many, but also must accept the obstacles that still plague us. Why do I say this? I just finished reading "The New Soft War On Women" and there is no denying that women have come along way (baby) but, the journey has stalled and may be flowing backwards.

The authors, Caryl Rivers and Rosalind Barnett, make a solid case for why women in business, although excelling in education over their male counterparts, have not translated these gains into increased money and power. They call it subtle biases against women. I call it the war against families.

The book is clear to state that every study, and corporate document, supports the fact that with a majority of women in executive positions and as participants on the board, corporations are more profitable. So, why is there a war on women in business?

Why are more than 50% of our population feeling as though they are still under recognized for their accomplishments?

Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook, wrote in her book, Lean In, that women needed to take more risk and step up ---- or lean in. I wish it was that easy.

Leaning in for some women in business will certainly get them noticed, but if there is a subtle bias against women permeating our culture leaning in will not get women a place at the table. Will it?

The fact is, as the book details, when men venture into women's work - or what is considered to be women's work by the U.S. department of labor- 30% of women work in ten occupations: "secretaries and adminstrative assistants; elementary and middle school teachers; nursing, psychiatric and home health aides; customer service representatives; first-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers; cashiers; first-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative workers; receptionists and information clerks; accountants and auditors and secretariesd and administrative assistants." men eventually make more than their female counterparts. I say, "You have got to be kidding! Right?"

So, what to do about a war? I say again, knowledge is power! If you are aware of what is happening you can prepare yourself for battle.

In my experience, being a savvy woman is an advantage. Perhaps, not in a billion dollar corporation, but. most definitely, as a woman entrepreneur. Taking control of your own destiny, whatever that might be, is taking responsiblity for your future.  Male or female, it is important to your success to see yourself as a victor not as a victim. If you see victim in your future then flee your circumstance NOW. Believing in yourself is what it takes to be successful and no one can, or should, be able to take that away from you.

2014 will be, I believe the year of the woman entrepreneur -- particularly in the United States. Women have what it takes to be successful and we need to make it happenh on our own terms.

If you have a dream execute it. Get the help necessary to turn your dream into a reality. If your path is in corporate America, find mentor and a sponsor. "The New Soft War On Women" book clearly states the difference between men's success and women's success in corporate America is sponsorship. I call it finding yourself someone who will champion you to where you want to go. We all know what a champion is. For some of us it was a Mom or Dad and for others it was a coach. When you find one who'll know him/her as the person who wants to see you succeed no matter what the he/she has to do to get you there.

There may be a continuing war on women, but I believe that if women really support each other we have a better chance of success. It's time we work toward equality. It is the only answer for the next generation.