The importance of allyship for International Women's Day 2025
The Mills & Reeve Balance network (our staff network for gender issues) is celebrating International Women's Day 2025 by hosting a panel event on 5 March 2025 for our colleagues, clients, and contacts in the Manchester office. One of the topics our fabulous panel will be discussing is allyship. In advance of the event, we thought we’d explore just why allyship is so important.
International Women's Day (IWD) 2025, celebrated worldwide on 8 March, is a pivotal moment to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and, crucially, to recognise the work that still needs to be done. This year's theme, "accelerate action," emphasises the urgency of taking swift and decisive steps to ensure no one is left behind. Central to this mission is the concept of allyship, which plays a crucial role in advancing gender equity.
Understanding allyship
Allyship involves individuals from privileged groups using their position to support and advocate for marginalised communities. In the context of gender equality, allyship means men actively supporting women in their fight for equal rights and opportunities. This support can take many forms, from challenging discriminatory behaviours to amplifying women's voices in professional settings.
The role of allyship in the legal profession
The legal profession in England has seen significant strides towards gender equality, yet challenges remain. Women now make up 53% of all lawyers, but only 32% of full-equity partners. This disparity highlights the need for continued efforts to support women at all levels of their careers.
Prominent figures like Baroness Hale, the first woman to serve as president of the Supreme Court, have paved the way for future generations. However, the journey towards equality is ongoing. Allyship in the legal profession can involve mentoring junior women lawyers, advocating for policies that promote work-life balance and ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement.
Employers can be allies too and play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive workplace. By implementing policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay and flexible working arrangements (and also paternity leave and shared parental leave which allow men to participate fully in home life), employers can create an environment where all employees thrive. Additionally, supporting staff networks and providing resources for professional development can help women advance in their careers.
It's also important to recognise that support roles in law firms, such as paralegals, executive assistants, and administrative staff, are overwhelmingly held by women. These roles are crucial to the functioning of any law firm, yet they can often receive less recognition and fewer opportunities for advancement. Supporting women in these important positions through professional development and career progression initiatives is another vital aspect of allyship.
5 ways to be an ally for women
- Listen and learn: Take the time to understand the experiences and challenges women face. Listening without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice shows respect and empathy. Attend events organised and led by women.
- Speak up: If you witness discriminatory behaviour or hear sexist remarks, don't stay silent. Speaking up can help create a more respectful and inclusive environment.
- Share the spotlight: Use your platform to amplify women's voices. Whether it's in meetings or on social media, make sure women's contributions are recognised and valued.
- Mentor and sponsor: Offer your support to women in your workplace by mentoring or sponsoring them. This can help them navigate their careers and open up new opportunities.
- Advocate for change: Push for policies that promote gender equality, such as flexible working arrangements, equal pay, and parental leave. Your advocacy can make a significant difference.
Allyship is not just a supportive gesture; it’s a powerful tool for driving systemic change. On International Women's Day 2025, let's commit to being active allies, supporting women in all spheres of life, and working together to create a world where every woman and girl can thrive. By embracing allyship and leveraging the power of staff networks, we can make significant strides towards achieving true gender equity.
If you’d like to attend our IWD event then we’d love your support, all are welcome!
If you have any questions about the IWD event or the Balance network please contact the co-chairs Tamsin Morris or Claudia Gilham.
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