The Evolution of Women in Wealth

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come in the world of finance, wealth creation, and economic power.

It wasn’t that long ago that women had little to no control over their own financial futures. In fact, it wasn’t until 1974—just 50 years ago—that women were legally allowed to apply for a credit card or a loan without a male co-signer.

Think about that. For most of history, women had to rely on a husband, father, or another male figure just to access the most basic financial tools.

Fast forward to today—women are not just earning money; they’re investing it, growing it, and redefining what financial power looks like. But there’s still work to be done.

We are at a pivotal moment. The next step isn’t just participating in the financial system—it’s owning it.

In the spirit of Permission to Speak by Samara Bay, it’s time to give ourselves permission:

🔹 Permission to take charge of our financial futures.

🔹 Permission to challenge outdated systems.

🔹 Permission to break through the final barriers of wealth and ownership.

The road hasn’t been easy, but every milestone is proof of what’s possible.

Women’s Financial Evolution: A Timeline of Change

The Early Struggle: 19th Century – Women as Property

Before 1848, women in most of the Western world couldn’t own property, inherit wealth, or make financial decisions. Their economic fate was tied to the men in their lives.

Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, women had more financial rights than they did in 19th-century America. They could own property, enter contracts, and inherit wealth—a reminder that true financial freedom isn’t new, it’s just something we’ve had to reclaim.

Breaking Barriers: 1900s-1970s

🔹 1903 – The Women’s Trade Union League demanded equal pay, laying the groundwork for financial independence.

🔹 1919 – The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, allowing them a say in economic policies.

🔹 1950s-1960s – Women entered the workforce in record numbers, reshaping the economy.

🔹 1974 – The Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women the right to open a credit card and apply for loans without a male co-signer.

It took centuries to get here. And even after these changes, women continued to face financial roadblocks—fewer promotions, less funding for businesses, and investment industries that weren’t designed with them in mind.

The Rise of Women’s Financial Power: 1980s-Present

🔹 1988 – The Women’s Business Ownership Act removed the requirement for a male relative to co-sign a business loan.

🔹 1999 – Mellody Hobson became the first African-American woman to lead a publicly traded investment firm, proving women could thrive at the highest levels of finance.

🔹 2023 – Women-owned businesses in the U.S. surpassed 12 million, generating more than $1.8 trillion in revenue.

🔹 Today – Women control over $10 trillion in assets—and that number is set to triple in the next decade.

The data is clear: When women have financial power, economies thrive. Families become more stable. Communities grow stronger.

The Final Glass Ceiling: Full Ownership of Wealth

We’ve broken barriers. We’ve built businesses. We’ve taken seats at tables that once excluded us.

Now, the next shift is moving from simply participating in the financial system to fully owning wealth-building opportunities—on our terms.

Samara Bay’s Permission to Speak is a reminder that power isn’t just something given to us—it’s something we claim.

That applies to finance, too.

It’s time to:

🔹 Own the financial decisions that shape our future.

🔹 Invest in ways that create lasting wealth.

🔹 Build legacies that ensure the next generation doesn’t start from scratch.

The Future is Female (And Financially Independent)

We are the generation redefining financial power.

The question is: What’s next?

🔹 How do we ensure financial equality is not just a milestone but a new standard?

🔹 How do we make wealth-building accessible for all women, not just a select few?

🔹 How do we take the final step toward full financial independence?

This isn’t just about making money. It’s about rewriting history.

To the women before us who fought for change—thank you.

To the women today who are building wealth on their own terms—you are the proof that anything is possible.

And to the women of the future—we see you, and we’re paving the way.

Here’s to the next era of women’s financial power.