"A reminder that progress is hard won": the Sex Discrimination Act, 50 years on...

On this day 50 years ago, the Sex Discrimination Act attained royal assent and was signed into law, giving women the freedom to open their own bank accounts and apply for a mortgage without a male guarantor.

To mark this milestone, we spoke to some of the winners and sponsors of the 2025 Women’s Recognition Awards, who shared their thoughts on how far we’ve come in terms of gender equality and progress since 1975, and how much further we have to go…

"It's incredible to think that 50 years ago women had so few rights in relation to their own finances - I'm so grateful to the brave women who stood before me who have enabled progress across the sector. Without their courage to stand and be counted in a world where the odds were firmly stacked against them, so few of us would be where we are today. It’s a very humbling milestone!

“Progress is evident through the diversity in both entry level and senior roles across the sector, and the fact that, in my experience, broader and more open conversations about EDI are encouraged and not shied away from. I would like to see more open acknowledgement by all parties that EDI needs to be an active part of every discussion and event. The planning has long been there; the next steps would be truly embedding this."

-     Rachael Hunnisett, April Mortgages, Woman in the Mortgage Industry winner

"The Sex Discrimination Act was a pivotal moment, removing one of the most visible barriers to women’s financial freedom. It’s hard to imagine a time when women needed permission to access something as fundamental as financial independence and that women in the UK couldn’t access basic financial independence without a man’s approval.

"The 50th anniversary of the Act is both a cause for celebration and a reminder of how recently those barriers still existed. At L&C, we’re proud to work in an industry that can help close the remaining gaps, ensuring everyone - regardless of gender, background or circumstance - has fair and equal access to financial services and feels they belong.

"While we’ve come a long way, equality is not just about removing barriers, it’s about creating pathways and opportunities so that no one is excluded from building the life they want. Financial independence underpins so many other aspects of life and while the legal barriers have gone, we must keep dismantling the cultural and economic barriers that remain. For us at L&C, this milestone continues to be a call to action, to make sure financial services continues to truly work for everyone."

-     Rachel Eason-Whale, L&C Mortgages, Equality Employer of the Year winner, headline sponsor, Entrepreneur of the Year sponsor

"It’s hard to imagine now that a woman once needed a man’s permission to open a bank account or apply for a mortgage. That legislation changed lives and opened the door to greater financial independence and freedom of choice.

“But it’s not just a piece of history. It’s a reminder that real progress is possible - and that it depends on people being willing to challenge what’s accepted and push for something better.

“We have a responsibility to keep that momentum going. Whether it’s in the way we serve our clients or support our teams, we all have a role to play in making sure the next generation doesn’t just inherit the progress made, but builds on it."

-     Alex Upton, Hampshire Trust Bank, Woman in Management sponsor

"This legislation empowered women to take control of their financial futures. However, the anniversary serves as a powerful reminder that progress in gender equality is an ongoing journey.

“At MPowered, we are committed to building a future where people can build their own wealth on their own terms, regardless of gender or background."

-     Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages, Woman in Fintech sponsor

"It's amazing to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a society, and as an industry, in just 50 years! The introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act was pivotal in giving women financial freedom, but it’s also a disturbing reminder of just how recent these rights are.

“When people ask why female-focused initiatives matter - this is why. It's about confronting the past and ensuring we work hard to make the future better for generations to come.

“We're proud to be taking an active role in honouring the women who came before us and fought for change. Quantum are committed to continue pushing for a fairer, more diverse and equal-opportunity industry.”

-     Harsha Dahyea, Quantum Mortgages, Financial Adviser of the Year sponsor

"It's shocking that this was only 50 years ago and so for me, within my lifetime. We have work to do, but events like the WRAs shine a spotlight on the need to never assume and to continue working towards a better future for all."

-     Paul Hunt, Square 1 Media Limited, Marketer of the Year sponsor

"It’s remarkable to reflect on how far we’ve come since the Sex Discrimination Act gave women the right to open their own bank accounts and apply for mortgages without a male guarantor. In just 50 years, we’ve seen a fundamental shift - not only in financial independence but in the confidence and leadership of women across our industry.

"While there’s still more progress to make, this milestone reminds us of the importance of continuing to break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. I am eternally grateful for the women from the past who were brave enough to challenge the norm and what was expected. Now the possibilities are limitless."

-     Charlotte Rutter, Roma Finance, EDI: Best Employee Support winner and Woman in Specialist Lending sponsor

"Just 50 years ago, women in the UK couldn’t get a mortgage without a man. That progress should fill us with pride but also purpose. Because while we build careers and buy homes, there are still women across the world who are denied even the chance to learn. Our voices, our success, must speak for them too.

“It’s now time for more people to turn talk into actions. I feel more progress could be made by firms around all areas of EDI who do not want to engage in events."

-     Louise Stevens, Coreco Lifetime, Later Life Adviser of the Year winner

"From our Chief People Officer, Lisa Winnard: 'Fifty years ago, a woman’s dream of owning her own home could be stopped with a single missing signature. Today, her signature is all that’s needed. That’s progress worth celebrating. At Nottingham Building Society, we’re proud to be part of that story - past, present, and future. Because when women thrive, communities thrive, and possibilities open for everyone.'

"As a Society with mutual values at our core, we recognise the importance of this milestone in helping to level the playing field. But while progress has been made, our sector has a responsibility to continue to break down barriers, ensuring women not only have equal access to products and services, but also to careers, leadership, and influence within financial services."

-     Matt Kingston, Nottingham Building Society, EDI: Mental Health Advocate sponsor

"The Sex Discrimination Act is a step forward, but not a victory at the finish line. While the act was a huge step forward, the gender pay gap and other subtle forms of discrimination still exist. The fight for true equality is still ongoing.

“This year in particular has brought a new conversation to the table, the idea that empowering one group must come at the expense of another - this narrative is a false one that fuels division. Today, dialogue on gender can feel like a minefield. Empowering women doesn't mean diminishing men, it means everyone should reach their full potential."

-     Tanya Elmaz, Together, Woman in Specialist Lending winner and Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year sponsor

"The Sex Discrimination Act was a huge turning point, not just in financial services, but in the ability for women to have independence and control over their own futures. While we’ve come a long way, milestones like this are a reminder that progress is hard won, and that it’s our responsibility to make sure equality continues to move forward, not backwards."

-     Angel Brooks, One Mortgage System, Woman in the Mortgage Industry sponsor

"It’s hard to imagine that this only came into law 50 years ago, but I think that thought goes to show just how far we have come in a relatively short period of time. Things are heading in the right direction. There is still work to be done, and who knows what we can achieve together over another 50 years?"

-     Leah Brunskill, Market Financial Solutions, Woman-Led Brokerage of the Year sponsor