Breaking Barriers, Yet Miles To Go

The legal profession boasts of many women luminaries, but they are the exception rather than the norm in an otherwise maledominated milieu

- Ashima Ohri

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women." These words of Maya Angelou, the American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist best encapsulate the journey of countless women who, through their resilience and determination, have paved the way for future generations.

As we spotlight four trailblazing women from the Indian legal community in the BW Businessworld Most Influential Women list, their stories not only inspire but also serve as a reminder of the work that remains in the quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Justice B. V. Nagarathna, on the cusp of becoming India's first woman Chief Justice, exemplifies a remarkable journey in the legal realm since 1987. Her potential elevation symbolises not just a personal milestone but a significant leap towards gender equality in the judiciary.

Justice Bela Trivedi, celebrated for making history alongside her father as 'Father-daughter judges in the same court', has navigated her path through diverse legal challenges, rising to the Supreme Court and breaking ceilings along her way.

Justice Hima Kohli has demonstrated the impactful role women can play in shaping jurisprudence, with a keen focus on mediation and environmental preservation. Her career is marked by notable appointments, including as the Chairperson of the Delhi Judicial Academy as well as key roles in initiatives for jail decongestion during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta, known for her pivotal role in the Bilkis Bano case, underscores the importance of advocating for women's rights, emphasising the power of legal advocacy in bringing about societal change.

Work In Progress