Statistically Speaking

Today marks the close of March, Women’s History Month. The month began as Women’s History Week in 1978, a result of the women’s movement of the ’60s, which encouraged women to study their roles in society. With the continued expansion of women into leadership positions, the week officially became Women’s History Month in 1987. Here are some statistics on women’s leadership in recent years:

Female CEOs running major U.S. corporations in 2007: 12

Percentage of Fortune 500 companies run by women: 2.4 percent

Percentage of U.S. high-paying management, professional, and related occupations held by women: 51 percent

Women who serve in U.S. House of Representatives: 61

Women who serve in U.S. Senate: 13

Year the 19th Amendment was ratified: 1920

Year the first woman was elected to U.S. Senate: 1932

Sources: (www.dol.gov), (www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-01-02-women-ceos_N.htm), (www.usgovinfo.about.com), (www.infoplease.com)