An Isle of Wight woman has received a highly prestigious national award for her trailblazing part in the UK's financial landscape in the 1970s and beyond.
As one of the first female traders on the floor of the London Stock Exchange, Janet Stevens has been awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of London.
Janet, who has lived on the Island for 28 years and works at the Isle of Wight College, said:
"I’m really proud to receive this great honour — It was a significant step in 1978, taken by my employer, Wedd Durlacher Mordaunt and Co, to consider training female stockjobbers.
"I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity.
(c) Frank Hermann
"It was a challenging environment in those days but paved the way for more females and those in under represented groups to have successful careers in finance and other industries.
"Diversity in the workplace is key to a successful organisation and at the Isle of Wight College, we work with employers to create opportunities and raise aspirations."
Janet worked as a trainee dealer — known as a Blue Button, on the Stock Exchange floor.
Her role with Wedd Durlacher, one of the largest 'jobbers' on the floor, saw her become the first woman to be employed by the company as a trainee.
Janet later became a director at Swiss based investment bank UBS, where she was once again breaking down barriers by becoming the first female trader with the group.
Chief Commoner of the City of London Corporation, Ann Holmes, said:
“When women on the trading floors were hugely outnumbered by men, these women, who were passionate about their work and determined to succeed, helped change the City’s landscape for the better.
“It has given me great pleasure to join the Lord Mayor in nominating them for the City’s award, and I have no doubt that they will remember today’s ceremony for many years to come.”
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