The Evolution of Women in Business
- Kelly Chu
- Mar 18
- 1 min read
By Kelly Chu
March 18, 2026
Early Beginnings
Early 1900's: Women couldn’t open a bank account, secure business loans, or legally run large companies without a male co-signer. Society expected women to stay at home, and entrepreneurship was considered a male-only domain.
Despite that, Madame C.J. Walker and Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion and personal care, proving that women could lead and innovate in competitive industries.
The Revolution
1940's: As men went to serve during World War II, women filled professional roles and managerial positions in companies and factories. This period demonstrated women’s ability to manage large-scale operations.
1960's to 1970's: Women started entering managerial roles, and the first female executives emerged in major firms. In 1972, Katharine Graham became the first woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
1990's: Women made up roughly 10% of board members in Fortune 500 companies. Female entrepreneurship also grew, with women founding tech startups, consultancies, and service companies globally.
Today and the Future
Women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies rose to 10-11% by 2024, and women now own approximately 34% of all U.S. small businesses. In 2025, women represent about 13.4% of the world’s billionaires according to Forbes.
Women are no longer just participants - we are the future leaders, innovators, and trendsetters.