Money Box Live: Women's Finances

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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)
3 Feb English United Kingdom Business

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