Many minorities, especially women, were subjected to unfair treatment. This ultimately caused the pursuit of success to become something many considered unattainable; cause of all this – discrimination. Discrimination can be defined as the unfair or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things; particularly for reasons of race, age or sex. Discrimination has existed in the world since the conception of time, and discrimination still often plays a role in dealing with today's problems. Since discrimination is the main word, it is used based on affirmative action and the term “glass ceiling”. Affirmative action can be defined as the steps and different processes followed for women and minorities to excel in many areas, including the workplace in particular, while the term "glass ceiling" refers to attitudes , barriers and stereotypes that prevent progress. For women to have a fair chance in the workplace, crude sexual harassment and stereotyping must be eliminated in the office by requiring companies to create a skills-based diversity training program that will teach employees how to demonstrate of open-mindedness. bipartisan history. The sole objective of affirmative action was to establish equality among all and equal opportunities for all. The requirement that federal contracts contain a clause prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, and national origin has been an integral part of federal contracting policy since 1941 , when President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802 prohibiting discrimination in war industries. This order was reinforced by the executive orders of four other successful presidents, Harry S. Truman, Dwi...... middle of paper ......a-glass-ceiling-always-exists- best-jobs?INTCMP= SRCH>Grapes, Bryan J. “Affirmative Action” San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 2000: PAGE NUMBERSGuernsey, JoAnn Bren. “Affirmative action: a problem or a cure? Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company 1997: PAGE NUMBERS McHaney, Meris. March 15, 2011 “Catherine McHaney: In Her Own Words” Personal interview. Suchitra, Steven Samuel. “Breaking the glass ceiling.” Khaleej Times Online December 2, 2011. February 13, 2012. William, Mary E. “Discrimination: Opposing Views” San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1997: PAGE NUMBERSWoods, Geraldine. “Affirmative Action” New York: Franklin Watts, 1989: PAGE NUMBERS