A Speech on the Principles of Finance (Annotated)

Victoria C. Woodhull (1838 1927) was a significant American historic figure who had several roles as a sex suffragist, political activists, stockbroker and paper publisher. Given her innovative role in the financial world of her era, her life as well as career provide a rich historic context for a speech on the concepts of finance. Victoria Woodhull along with her sister Tennessee Claflin evolved into the very first female stockbroker in 1870 on Wall Street. In a business sector dominated solely by males, they broke down gender barriers by opening Woodhull, Claflin, Co. The society norms largely limited women to household roles during this particular time of financial and economic autonomy severely restricted females. Cornelius Vanderbilt had been a financial backer of her brokerage company which drew significant attention - both negative and positive - showcasing the obstacles faced by women in finance. Female's Rights as well as Financial Independence promoting advocacy : Woodhull was a renowned advocate for female's suffrage rights. She advocated for financial autonomy for women to attain freedom and equality. Her views were revolutionary during a time when women had restricted land rights and had been mostly dependent on men financially. She contended that women required financial training and autonomy to attain liberation. Woodhull's advocacy spanned to labor reforms, property rights, and reasonable wages for women.