The Penguin Economist Special reports delve into the most pressing economic issues of the day: from national and global economies, to the impact of trade, industry and jobs. Written to be read on a long commute or in your lunch hour - be better informed in under an hour.

When students graduate from university they are employed in equal numbers. Move up the ladder a few rungs and the number of women in high powered positions has fallen dramatically.

Women make up just 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs and still generally get paid less than their male counterparts.

Barbara Becks ask why this is and what can be done about it. She covers:

Closing the gap

Female labour markets: The cashier and the carpenter

A world of bluestockings

Work and family: Baby blues

Top jobs: Too many suits

Women in China: The sky's the limit

Looking ahead: Here's to the next half-century