By Abigail Wonga.
Reading time: four minutes
‘‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’’ – Maya Angelou
International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a holiday celebrated annually on the 8th of March as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. This special day gives recognition to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women. As a young Black woman aspiring to work in the legal sector, IWD must be continually celebrated. According to the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, 53% of lawyers are women, which has gone up from 52% in 2021. However, women make up 37% of law firm partners. Despite there being an increase in female lawyers, women fail to climb up the ladder of becoming partners.
IWD should not be seen as being celebrated within the 24 hours of the day but for a lifelong time. Women have made significant impacts in politics, law and other industries. Notable mentions of trailblazers in the legal sector include:
- Baroness Helena Kennedy KC;
- Lady Brenda Hale;
- I. Stephanie Boyce; and
- Helena Normanton KC.
On the 18th of March 2024, I had the pleasure of attending City, University of London’s annual IWD panel event hosted by City’s Women in Law Society in collaboration with the City Law Society Student Experience Team.
The esteemed panellists consisted of:
- South Square Chambers’ Hilary Stonefrost;
- Senior lecturer Sona Mehta; and
- Legal Marketing Expert and TSL’s very own Editor, Christianah Babajide.
Inspire Inclusion
Rochelle Inbakumar, president of the Women in Law Society held a refreshing smile on her face when introducing the three phenomenal women. When thinking of this year’s IWD campaign theme which is to Inspire Inclusion, I feel privileged to be in a room surrounded by great women. From those beginning their journey of pursuing a career in law, those starting and those already there, there is a feeling of inspiration amongst the audience and the panellists themselves which made me smile in awe. Investing in women professionally is what I believe will continue to amplify the voices of women unheard and heard.
These are the main takeaways I received from the event.
What advice would you give to aspiring female lawyers today?
A question so simple however dire to those hearing the answer, caught the audience including myself’s attention. Hilary, starting off, explained how crucial asking for help is. Oftentimes, we (as aspiring lawyers or working in the legal profession), are under the impression that law is an ‘every man for his own’ career. If we help others, there will be less time to get ourselves where we need to get to, as we’ve spent so much time helping others. But this is not the case. In fact, from Hilary’s perspective, it was the help that she received from her male counterparts during her time as a pupil which drove her to speak more about gender equality in the legal profession, particularly in the Bar.
According to the Bar Standards Board, there is a percentage of 38.8% of female barristers and a low proportion of female KCs (17.9%). Clearly, the Bar has a long way to go with inclusivity.
What can I do if somebody is acting unprofessionally because of my gender?
This question was one where all of the panellists chimed in with answers to do with reporting it to HR or anyone you trust. Sometimes, saying something is better than doing nothing. No one, irrespective of their gender, race, sexuality or religion should ever feel that they cannot find a safe place in their place of employment. It’s safe to say that all of the panellists have had their fair share of dismantling unequal treatment.
Is gender inequality an important issue today as it was before?
Frustration, shock and silence lingered in the room. A question asked by City’s Women in Law Society’s president raised interesting answers from the panellists. This is because, existing in the generation which is said to be aware, equal and educative on matters pivotal to society, is regressing when acting upon such matters. To be clear, gender inequality is an important issue today as it was before.
Women globally face disparities such as education, employment, the right to drive, the right to walk on the streets alone and many more. In the United Kingdom, issues raised in the system as more women suffer domestic violence, the death of Sarah Everard at the hands of a police officer and a surge of women missing nationwide, gender inequality is a conversation which still needs to be had.
Finally
I left panel event feeling dedicated and inspired. Although the journey to getting to where I want to get to may be difficult, just like Maya Angelou, I am taking this journey of difficulty for all women of all ages, race, sexual orientation and religious background.
