International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8^th March every year in order to recognise and celebrate women. This year, the campaign theme is #EachforEqual. The message is that “an equal world is an enabled world” and that we can all actively choose to challenge gender stereotypes and bias to broaden perspectives and celebrate women’s achievements.

Working within the legal sector, last year saw celebrations surrounding the first 100 years of women in law. 100 years since women’s entry into the legal profession together with the first women appointed as magistrates and being on juries. There have been so many inspiring women lawyers but for me, you can’t talk about inspirational women and celebrate International Women’s Day without mentioning Lady Hale.

Lady Hale, or Baroness Hale of Richmond as she is officially known, has challenged gender stereotypes in many ways throughout her legal career.

She was the first woman and family lawyer to sit in the Supreme Court, the first woman appointed to the Law Commission, the first female Law Lord and the first woman president of the Supreme Court. She has sat in the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.

She has heavily criticised the appointment of predominantly white men to the Judiciary which had led to more gender equality across the profession.

In addition to all of this, she is also a Yorkshire woman, born in Leeds!

In a world of internet trolling and social media, it is more important than ever to motivate our peers and compliment one another rather than tearing each other down. On International Women’s Day, think about someone you admire; a friend, a colleague or family member, and let them know why they inspire you!

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Helen Moody – Solicitor