One of the least discussed, yet most pervasive stigmas in gender equality is female menstruation. In every country, the veil of silence around menstruation contributes to sexism that can hold women back in their personal lives and professional careers.

March 8 is International Women's Day, so it's time to check in on where the good old U.S. of A. stands in relation to the rest of the world when it comes to gender equality. Spoiler alert: We're not number one.

"I think it's so ludicrous, and so frivolous, and so mindless... that it has merit." That was shrewd venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary talking about the Gold Rush Nugget Bucket, a fun way to pan for treasure. Though he could have been talking about any number of products on the market.

A nation's competitiveness relies heavily on whether and how it educates and utilizes its female talent. To maximize its competitiveness and development potential, each country should strive for gender equality.

Upon first glance, you would think we would never have anything in common. As a child she attended a private, prestigious girls' school in Greenwich, CT, whereas I walked a mile each day to a public school from my home in the Brooklyn Housing Projects

The Women's Forum created The Education Fund in 1987 to provide annual awards to encourage mature women in need to fulfill their potential through the pursuit of an undergraduate college education.