Wildflower International Ltd. CEO Kimberly deCastro grew her business from humble beginnings 27 year ago to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Kimberly deCastro is one of many women executives seeking to change the landscape of business to a more egalitarian playing field.
In the past, culture and society determined gender roles, which limited women’s professional advancement and growth. The “cult of domesticity,” prevalent during the early 19th century, mandated that the proper place for the woman was in the home.
However, changes have taken place, particularly during the last six decades. By the end of World War II, women began to rise to greater prominence in their workforce, having assumed working roles while men fought during the war. Women also started establishing more businesses. Though women still make up less than 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs, they currently own in excess of 9 million businesses, with more than 7 million employees and sales of more $1 trillion.
