4 minute read
Let’s work to be equal, not to be the same.
Let’s work to be equal, not to be the same.
Maroulla Paul speaks to some of the world’s leading Legal Women
In the following pages you can read about the success story that is Sandie Okoro MBE - indeed a woman who inspires. It is an amuse bouche to a tasting menu of legal women from different continents, all of whom have achieved prominence in their careers and are working to make an impact on inclusion, who we will be profiling to celebrate International Women’s Day.
It is generally assumed that to reach the top requires certain character traits as well as excellence; maybe an unswerving focus that does not allow anything to detract from the end goal, perhaps an assertive personality that demands and gets, possibly a ruthlessness that does not let anything or anyone stand in its way.
With these preconceptions, I must confess to having had some trepidation in interviewing these women who are undoubtedly at the top of their fields. What I encountered surprised and delighted.
Yes, every single woman is, without question, an outstanding success and has had to claw her way up amidst a plethora of obstacles; gender, obviously, but sometimes ethnicity and background also. They have had to navigate their way through male dominated structures, created by and designed for men. Not an easy journey - and, for the most part, in times or cultures that are not as liberal as London in 2024. It certainly was not a path for the weak-hearted.
But, without exception, these women have reached leadership whilst maintaining so many ‘feminine’ characteristics. Each one I spoke to was warm, open, caring, concerned, nurturing. None of them have succeeded by emulating men, rather by wearing their femininity proudly and using it as a force for good.
All of these women want to give back. To mentor. To support. To guide. To advise. These qualities, These qualities, increasingly recognised as leadership qualities, are benefitting the workforceand the world.
There is much to learn from this. Yes, we must continue to strive for equality but in so doing we must never forget that men and women are different - and that is a good thing. We bring different things to the party. Whilst we might all finish up in the same place, the way we reach it is very different - and that paints a whole rather than a partial picture.
On their website IWD states as its opening;
‘Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.’
“Valuing difference’ rather than only allowing women to succeed if they play by men’s rules is key in creating a better world for all genders.
Let’s be proud of who and what we are; of what we are capable of doing and achieving and of the difference we can make.
Make sure you follow us to see our social media campaign on LinkedIn, Twitter, Threads and Instagram. The profiles will include Supreme Court Judge Ayesha Malik, Monica Musonda and Juliette Derry.
Supreme Court Judge Ayesha Malik
Monica Musonda, founder & CEO of Java Foods - Zambian food processing entrepreneur — Lionesses of Africa
Juliette Derry Principal Legal Advisor / Kaitohutohu Ture Matamua at the Ministry for the Environment
