Women Money Power

In Women Money Power, financial journalist Josie Cox delivers a sweeping narrative account of women's fight for financial independence, the legal and cultural barriers that hold them back, and the ongoing struggle to close the gender pay gap and address other economic inequalities.

"A bold, fascinating, and hugely important book. Unforgettable." —Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of King: A Life

"A necessary and riveting read that is…also a pleasure." —Francesca Donner, former gender director at the New York Times

For centuries, women were denied equal access to money and the freedom and power that came with it. They were restricted from owning property or transacting in real estate. Even well into the 20th century, women could not take out their own loans or own bank accounts without their husband's permission.

They could be fired for getting married or pregnant, and if they still had a job, they could be kept from certain roles, restricted from working longer hours, and paid less than men for equal work. It was a raw deal, and women weren't happy with it. So they pushed back.

Women Money Power brings to life the brave pioneers who challenged discrimination in the courts, the boardroom, and society:

• The "Rosies" who transformed industrial manufacturing and the labor force during World War II.
• The visionary heiress who covertly funded the development of the birth control pill.
• The barrier-breaking investor who integrated the boys' club of the New York Stock Exchange.
• The fearless activist whose battle against wage discrimination helped inspire landmark equal pay legislation.

Unpacking both historical breakthroughs and contemporary obstacles—from the glass ceiling to systemic corporate bias—Josie Cox provides an urgent, deeply researched guide to where women's economic equality stands today, how we got here, and what it will take to achieve true equity.