What if we also celebrated July 13th?

Overshadowed by the fireworks of July 14th, another date deserves its own revolution: July 13, 1965. On that day, in France, married women finally obtained a right that seems fundamental to us today: the ability to manage their own money without needing their husband's permission.

Yes, you read that correctly. Just 60 years ago, a French woman who wanted to open a bank account or sign an employment contract had to present a "marital authorization." A bit like getting a note from your parents to go to the pool... except here we're talking about professional life and economic independence.
And yet, a third of French women were already working at the time. Their contribution to the economy was very real, but their legal autonomy? Not quite yet.

It was on that famous July 13, 1965, that the French Parliament passed a landmark law: the married woman became "legally capable." In other words, she could now open a bank account, sign a contract, or take out a loan – without needing to consult her husband. A decisive step towards equality... and a collective sigh of relief.

Banks launched a variety of campaigns to mark the event. Societe Generale, for instance, rolled out a campaign illustrated by Michel Guiré Vaka, simply titled: "Women and men are equals." Sometimes, it’s better to spell it out!

Brochures, posters, magazine ads, and financial education guides: women were invited to take control of their economic future. It was the beginning of a movement that has never stopped since.

So yes, July 14th celebrates freedom in France, but isn’t it time to add another candle to the cake of history? The "day before," which, in its own way, also advanced women's freedom.