Many women graduating from leading law schools but only few in higher positions of legal profession: Justice BV Nagarathna

Though there are many women graduating from leading law schools and working at junior levels in the legal profession, the same cannot be said about higher positions which are still occupied by men, Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna recently said..Systemic discrimination against women is hampering their upward mobility in the legal profession, she underscored."While the number of women graduating from the leading law schools and working at junior levels in the legal profession is nearly equal to their male counterparts, this does not translate to equal representation at workplace or later at higher positions. Their upward mobility is hampered by systemic discrimination," she opined.She noted that entering the legal profession used to be an uphill task for women and they used to be mere spectators for a long time. "Historically, entering the legal field was a long way-fare for women and for centuries women stood as spectators before the procession of male advocates. While for the last 100 years, women are not disqualified from practicing before a court of law, we often find that women enter or get into the legal profession, but not many get up. The ‘glass ceiling’ implies the existence of an impermeable barrier that blocks the vertical mobility of women," she said. She added that the handling of the glass ceiling and the motherhood dilemma are questions that the legal fraternity as a whole needs to deliberate and concertedly act upon..Justice Nagarathna was speaking at a webinar organised on September 2 by Alumnae-i-Network for Harvard Women for India and Pakistan, on the theme: Celebrating 100 Years of Women in Law: Breaking Barriers; Shaping History..In her speech, the apex court judge underscored that the judiciary should be sensitive, independent, and free from biases. "I am sure, that by promoting gender diversity in the judiciary and thereby diversifying the life experiences of those who adjudicate cases, we will be moving several steps closer towards ensuring that a multitude of perspectives have been considered, weighed and balanced in arriving at decisions. Inclusion of women in the judiciary would also ensure that the decision-making process more responsive, inclusive, and participatory at all levels," she stated..She added that having more women on the bench would, among other things, give democratic legitimacy to dispute resolution because it would enhance representation. Further, it would increase public confidence in the judiciary and ensure better mentoring of young graduates, she said."Female judicial appointments, particularly at senior levels, can shift gender stereotypes, thereby changing attitudes and perceptions as to appropriate roles of men and women. Women’s visibility as judicial officers can pave the way for women’s greater representation in other decision-making positions, such as in legislative and executive branches of government," the top court judge said.Pertinently, greater numbers and visibility of women on the bench will encourage more women to enter the profession as well as seek remedies and justice through courts, she stressed.She also had the following words of advice for women lawyers:- Women lawyers must set actionable goals and define to whatever extent practicable, their career trajectory;- Mentors are important to help women lawyers navigate through the landscape of the legal profession;- It is important to be patient, but not stagnant or complacent. Every member of the legal fraternity, has a role to play towards the three-pronged objective of entry, retention and advancement of women in the legal profession..The event also saw a fireside chat being held to mark the centennial celebration of the Legal Practitioners (Women) Act, 1923, in British India. The Act enabled women of the subcontinent to formally enter the legal profession.The Alumnae-i Network for Harvard Women is part of the larger Harvard Alumni Association and consists of women alumni of Harvard University across different schools. It aims to advance the value of women’s leadership and success across the globe, and strengthen the voices of women. Th present event was jointly hosted by the India and Pakistan.Khaitan and Co Dispute Resolution Partner Nandini Khaitan, Axis Law Chambers (Pakistan) Partner Maria Farooq, advocate Ankita Singhania, and HBL Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) General Counsel Mehvish Muneera spoke on the occasion.The event was moderated by advocate Maithili Parikh, co-president of the Alumnae-i Network for Harvard Women in India, and advocate Shayyan Qaiser.