Chambers and Partners Celebrate International Women’s Day

International Women's Day is a day of celebration that has its origins in the early 1900s and was officially celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.

Marked annually on March 8^th, International Women's Day has become one of the most important days on the calendar as it celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally; raises awareness about women's equality; pushes for accelerated gender parity; and fundraises for women-focused charities.

The aim of the day is to celebrate womanhood in an intersectional manner, recognising achievements across national, ethnic, cultural and political lines. The day has also become an important chance to discuss the issues women are still facing and implement positive action.  

For this year's celebration, people from across the world are coming together virtually to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of women and highlight the challenges that remain in day-to-day life, as well the workplace.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted gender inequality as women continue to assume a disproportionate amount of caring responsibilities, amongst other disparities, while domestic violence has increased across the globe.

For 2021's International Women's Day, the #ChooseToChallenge theme  encourages the idea that a challenged world is an alert one. The challenge looks to further the discussion on women's rights, gender equality and parity, and encourages everyone to speak up for women's rights, challenging bias whenever it occurs.

Chambers are firm believers and advocates of furthering diversity and inclusion, not only in the legal profession but across all industries and sectors. Diversity & Inclusion is integral to the Chambers strategy of corporate responsibility and sustainability as outlined in the company's ethos.

Chambers aim to nurture, promote and encourage an inclusive professional environment for all employees and offer an internal D&I network to all employees - INSPIRE.

As part of the 2021 #ChooseToChallenge, our Senior Leadership Team have penned their own thoughts on Internationals Women's Day and the greater need for inclusion below.

'I am delighted to raise my hand in support of the #ChooseToChallenge campaign for #InternationalWomensDay. As the CEO and INSPIRE Gender Diversity Executive Sponsor at Chambers and Partners, I am extremely proud to have taken on the responsibility of ensuring our workplace culture is inclusive and always striving towards gender equality and equity. It is a privilege to work alongside and collaborate with a fantastic team that holds diversity as a core value and go above and beyond to raise awareness and inspire positive action.'
Tim Noble - Chief Executive Officer

'I #ChooseToChallenge bias and inequality in all its forms and wherever it exists. We can all make a difference with our voices and our actions to eradicate gender inequality.'
Chris Thomas - Chief Commercial Officer

'I am proud to support #ChoosetoChallenge and join many others across the world in raising awareness of Gender inequality within the workplace and wider society. I am also pleased to celebrate the progress that has been made but know there is a lot further to go and look forward to continuing to support efforts that will create Gender equality for the benefit of everyone.'
Rhianna James-Moore - Chief Marketing Officer

'I am proud to raise my hand to support gender equality and #ChooseToChallengefor equality in the workplace and in society. It's great to speak up and contribute to conversations that will drive change and have an impact on achieving equality.'
Matthew Taylor - Global People Director

'Gender inequality is simply wrong. #ChooseToChallenge and create a better and fairer world.'
Gareth Stephenson - Business Development Director

'I raise my hand and #ChooseToChallenge gender bias, stereotypes, discrimination, prejudice, and injustice against women. From challenge comes change, and I am proud to have joined the amazing team at Chambers where gender equality is a core pillar of our values.'
Simon Jaffery-Reed - Chief Product Officer

Chambers Diversity and Inclusion and the Inspire committee are also hosting an internal webinar celebrating International Women's Day. The event will feature a panel discussion with three keynote speakers on topics related to this year's theme of International Women's Day, #Choosetochallenge: 

For more information on Internationals Women's Day and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/