Women’s Day: these lawyers’ associations are helping to close the gender gap in the legal field

This Friday, March 8, marks Women’s Day, a date that annually highlights the struggle of women to achieve equality in the political, economic, social, labor and interpersonal spheres. In the legal sector, numerous wage gaps, prejudices and barriers persist. Faced with these problems, various organizations of women lawyers work to help professionals grow in their field.

Women in a Legal World

Women in a Legal World (WLW) is a Spanish non-profit organization that promotes the presence of women in leadership roles in the legal field. With 75 women in their network, 20 mentors and 20 mentees, they organize six annual meetings.

Their vision is for Spain to lead diversity in the sector, encouraging women to occupy leadership positions in law firms, law schools, award juries and legal services of listed companies.

"The advancement of women in the legal world over the past 40 years is undeniable, but although progress has been made, there is still work to be done," explains Marlen Estévez, president of WLW.

"Equality requires continuous efforts, and the commitment of civil society, institutions and public authorities remains crucial. To get from legal to real equality we need many women and men with bright minds and brave hearts, unafraid to step forward and surround themselves with the best," she adds.

Abogadas Mx

Abogadas MX is a non-profit association that seeks to influence the professional careers of women lawyers in Mexico, through a model of care based on the principles of diversity and inclusion. Its activities include mentoring, research, a scholarship program and workshops.

In addition, the entity recently published its report "Unequal Law: the gaps in the legal profession in Mexico" together with Data Cívica and the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness. Among its findings, they highlight that, in the private sector, female lawyers in the country earn on average 41% less than their male colleagues.

"Although in recent years there has been progress in terms of gender in the legal sphere, there are still obstacles rooted in cultural norms and institutional resistance that hinder full gender equality in the workplace," says Antonia Rodriguez, executive director of the entity.

IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee

The Women Lawyers’ Committee (WLC) seeks to empower its 3,000 global members through networking and knowledge sharing. Founded in 1996 as part of the IBA (International Bar Association), it aims to achieve gender parity in the legal profession. Through awareness-raising tools and events such as its quarterly "Café", it fosters collaboration and mutual support among its members. Twenty WLC officers are responsible for driving the committee’s activities.

Abofem Argentina and Abofem Chile

These are two sister organizations in South America that apply a feminist approach. Both non-profit organizations are made up of volunteers who promote transformations in the practice of law. In addition to offering training and advice, they raise awareness on issues of identity dissidence, inequality and reproductive health.

Author: Marina Vanni