Blog Post Title Two
Have you ever wondered about the journey women have taken to become financially independent? It's been a wild ride full of ups, downs, and everything in between. Understanding this history isn't just fascinating—it’s empowering! Let’s dive into the past and see how far we’ve come, shall we?
Early Struggles and Roadblocks
Once upon a time, women had little to no financial rights. Imagine not being able to open a bank account, buy property, or even keep the money you earned. Crazy, right? But that was the reality for many women in the early 20th century. Legal barriers and societal expectations were like giant walls blocking the path to financial freedom.
But women are nothing if not resilient. Here are some key milestones that changed the game:
1920s: The Right to Vote
Gaining the right to vote was a huge step toward financial autonomy. It meant women could have a say in the laws that affected their money.
1960s: Banking Access and Rights
In the 1960’s women gained the right to open their own bank accounts, but many institutions still would not let women open an account or get other baking or loan products without a male co-signor. Typical.
1963: Access to Equal Pay
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 aimed to abolish wage disparity based on sex. While not a perfect solution, it was a significant step forward.
1967: First Woman Seat NYSE
Muriel “Mickie ” Siebert becomes the first woman to own a seat on the stock exchange. She allegedly asked ten men to sponsor her application, and was denied by the first nine.
1972: Katharine Graham
becomes the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
1974: Equal Credit Opportunity Act
This law allowed women to apply for credit without needing a male co-signer. Imagine having to ask a man for permission to get a credit card—yikes!
1978: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Until the law was put into effect, women could still legally be dismissed from their jobs for becoming pregnant. Can you imagine that?!
2009: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
This law made it easier for women to file claims against their employers for discrimination based on their sex with no time constraints.
Once the doors started opening, women didn’t just walk through—they stormed in! Women began taking on leadership roles in finance, from CFOs to CEOs. Female entrepreneurship skyrocketed, with more women starting and running successful businesses. In fact, companies led by female CEO’s are found to be more profitable and stable than those run by men.
Today, we see incredible stories of women becoming investors making waves in industries that were once male-dominated. Financial education tailored for women has grown, helping more women take control of their financial futures. Women on average also earn a better rate of return than men on their portfolios.
