Authored By: Candace Whitman
Monday, August 26th, is Women's Equality Day, a day that honors women's suffrage. The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. Many women of color, however, were not granted their right to vote until much later. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally granted African American women the right to vote. These landmark events in American history not only recognized the fundamental rights of women but also set the stage for continued advancements in gender equality across various sectors, including the legal profession.
Women have made significant strides in the legal field, overcoming numerous obstacles to achieve success and recognition. Women lawyers have played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape. Their contributions have not only advanced the cause of gender equality but have also enriched the practice of law with diverse perspectives and approaches.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Women continue to face barriers such as pay disparity, underrepresentation in leadership positions, and work-life balance issues. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), women make up 39% of lawyers in the U.S. An even smaller percentage hold senior roles in law firms and corporate legal departments. This underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for women in law.
At Advocate Capital, we recognize the importance of supporting gender equality in the workplace and in the legal profession. We understand that empowering women is not just a matter of fairness but also a crucial element in ensuring justice for all.
Here are a few ways you can participate in Women's Equality Day:
- Take time to learn about the issues women face.
- The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession released a report by Stephanie A. Scharf, Roberta D. Liebenberg, and Paulette Brown on the career experiences of lawyers with children, particularly women, and the bias in the workplace that is often called the “motherhood penalty.” Click here to read this interesting study.
- The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession released a report by Stephanie A. Scharf, Roberta D. Liebenberg, and Paulette Brown on the career experiences of lawyers with children, particularly women, and the bias in the workplace that is often called the “motherhood penalty.” Click here to read this interesting study.
- Volunteer or donate to a nonprofit that supports women and girls.
- Attend an educational event about women's history, gender equality, or the ongoing challenges women face.
- Click here to view the ABA's events and CLEs related to women in the legal profession.
- Click here to view the ABA's events and CLEs related to women in the legal profession.
- Support a woman-owned business in your community.
- Organize a celebration or educational event at your workplace to acknowledge Women's Equality Day. You can host a women's history trivia event or invite a panel of women leaders to speak about a topic in a lunch and learn.
As we celebrate Women's Equality Day, let us not only honor the achievements of the past but also commit to fostering a future where gender equality is the norm. The legal profession, like many others, benefits from the diverse talents and perspectives that women bring to the table. By continuing to support and advocate for women, we can help create a more equitable and just society.
At Advocate Capital, we are dedicated to being a part of that journey, providing the financial tools and support that women lawyers need to thrive. Together, we can ensure that the progress made in the past century continues to inspire and drive change in the years to come.
Happy Women's Equality Day!
