Money Box Live: Women's Finances
Feb 04, 2026•28 min
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Summary
Marking 50 years since the Sex Discrimination Act, this episode delves into the significant shifts and ongoing hurdles for women's financial independence. Experts discuss the narrowing yet stalled gender pay gap, the disproportionate burden of childcare costs, and the need for updated shared parental leave policies. The conversation also addresses the critical importance of financial protection for unmarried couples and the compounding effect of career breaks on women's pensions, even touching upon how AI can perpetuate existing biases.Episode description
It's 50 years since the Sex Discrimination Act meant all women could take out mortgages and loans without needing a man to approve it.
In this programme we'll take a look at how things have changed for women's finances since then and what challenges they still face. From the cost of childcare to lower wages and pension pots.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Penny East, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, which is a gender equality and women's rights charity, and Louise Claro, Managing Director of Circle Financial Services and an independent financial adviser.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Sarah Rogers and Catherine Lund Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 7th January 2026)
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