International Women's Day 2023 - Interviews - Part I
- Do you think that attitudes have changed in recent years? Have you already noticed concrete actions? \
Laure: Attitudes towards female colleagues have changed in recent years as there has been some awareness of misogynist behaviors. However, women can still face some words or actions that may seem innocent but may not take place in the professional environment as a whole. Efforts must still be made to allow female colleagues to feel fully respected. \
- What do you think of the place of women in the legal world, are they well considered? \
Maria: Women have achieved near parity with men among new hires in the legal sector in general, however they still hold notably few positions of leadership in the profession broadly. \
Vincent: I believe that for several generations women have proved that they can be excellent professionals, whether in the legal sector as lawyers, notaries, bailiffs, or in the business sector or in academia. And I believe that all legal practice is equally accessible to women, and not reserved for men. Equal pay remains, however, an aspect where vagueness remains. I also have the feeling that, unfortunately, some women, perhaps not all, seem to have to work harder or make an extra effort to earn the same credibility as men.
- What do you think should be said to young girls and boys to ensure that the fight against gender inequality continues? \
Vincent: Gender is just a biological fact. To make a distinction where merit does not come into play is ridiculous. If you want to make a distinction, make it based on effort, hard work and acquired competence.
- Why, according to you, is it important to #EmbraceEquity? \
Maria: The acknowledgment that certain advantages and barriers exist and that these barriers have prevented certain groups from involvement and advancement in many areas are one of the main reasons why we must embrace equity. Once recognized, we can raise awareness and seek new solutions to correct the imbalance. \
Laurent: Although I feel that the way we work in practice at Strelia is based on equity and respect for all, I understand that there is a more general need for lawyers of gender equality and women empowerment, not only at work but in life in general. Putting emphasis on this fundamental value and bringing it forward is therefore important. As a father of two daughters (and a boy), I am looking forward to the time when it will not be needed anymore to state the obvious! \
Laure: #EmbraceEquity is of paramount importance as diversity may bring a large variety of expertise, background and experience in the workplace. It can contribute to mirror the diversity of the civil society. However, #EmbraceEquity is not easy to achieve. It requires a day-to-day commitment from all the individuals of the organization. \
- How do you feel as a woman at Strelia? \
Maria: At Strelia I feel that there is a balance between men and women. In addition, Strelia also empowers women, and the best example is the five female partners who also take the lead in the management of the firm. I feel well represented as a woman with inspiring role models. \
Laure: As a woman, I feel on an equal footing with men. Hard working and expertise will thrive my career progression at Strelia, regardless of my gender, race or religion.
- Do you think that women are well considered at Strelia?
Laurent: I think that women are highly valued at Strelia, in fact without any distinction of any kind as when compared to men. I truly hope this perception is shared by all our women colleagues as our goal, since the foundation of Strelia, has been to treat everyone equally, focusing on the individuals without making any difference based on gender, whether it is applied to career progress, opportunities, remuneration or any other rights or advantages on the work floor. \
Vincent: I must admit that this is a subject I rarely discuss with my female colleagues. For me, respect, courtesy, politeness and consideration seem to be equally shared without distinction. Besides that, I think Strelia has made a significant gesture by opening the partnership more to women. And I am sure that this is something that young women lawyers are particularly aware of when considering their career opportunities.
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01/03/2023
