Women CEOs

Since March is women's history month in the United States, I thought it would be appripo to talk about women entrepreneurs and where they are today. In the last thirty years, women have really stepped up to the plate in regards to working, running, and owning businesses. More and more women entrepreneurs are hitting the scene and assuming a place in history. Since women entered the workforce, they have overcome challenges such as sexual harassment, poor benefits, unequal pay, and unfair employers. In fact, they’ve even stepped over men into the number one spot.

At the beginning of 2009, there were thirteen women CEOs who ran some of the largest U.S.-based companies. Although it seems like a small number, two years later, this number is already outdated. More and more women are gaining ground in corporate America and making their way to the top. According to an article published on InfoPlease, “[Women] Their accomplishments represent significant milestones - not just for women in business - but for women all over the world making career choices.”

More and more women today are pursuing college degrees, and even advanced degrees at the Master’s and Doctoral levels. In fact, more work places are dominantly run and developed by women. In addition, more women are seen in jobs that are stereotypically classified as male roles such as law enforcement, construction, scientists, and doctors. Keep in mind that this country gets closer and closer to putting the first woman president into office. We came extremely close within the last three years with Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton, although I think most of us can agree that we'd all be doomed if Sarah Palin was running this country, but the point is that there are more women serving as politicians and becoming closer and closer to taking the chair in the Oval Office.

As much as this country has its downfalls, and it seems like it is still predominantly run by men, women are gaining ground. Plan and simple. There are many countries out there that unfortunately still view women as a second-class citizen, a minority, and even slaves. We are lucky to live in a country that, whether they want to or not, allow women to become CEOs of companies, become business owners and entrepreneurs, let alone get out of the house and work.

So even though just a short, thirty years ago in the 1980s when women were only seen as teachers, nurses, or secretaries in the work force, it is clear that things have dramatically changed. Women still have a long way to go before evening out with the number of male CEOs, but change and the potential for change is there. And the more young women that look at the top and see potential, the more are going to get there. You go, girls.