Being a Female Lawyer in the 21st Century: Thy Velvet Voice Speaks Out

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” - Ferdinand Foch

Dear Readers,

Welcome back to another edition of Thy Velvet Voice, your legal muse.

In this issue, we delve into a topic close to my heart: the life of a female lawyer in the 21st century.

Woman. Her. She.

An undeniable force. They say it's a woman's world. And indeed, it may seem so.

The Big Question

Let's ponder this - is it truly a woman's world?

Recent dialogues with my male colleagues have been enlightening. They claim that women have it easy, that gender equality efforts have opened numerous doors for women's success, and that the push for women's rights is so strong that job advertisements often encourage female applicants, seemingly sidelining men.

But does this reflect reality?

Embracing Womanhood: A Reality Check

Cherishing my womanhood has always been a part of who I am. A woman is gentle yet resilient, compassionate yet assertive, embodying determination, endurance, and intellect.

Reflecting on my early days in the legal field, I recall immersing myself in books, particularly Nancy Drew novels. They revealed a world where a woman could be celebrated for her intelligence and renown. This inspired me to become a problem-solver, a respected figure, and a champion for justice, though I was unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.

The reality is that being a woman, particularly in a professional and leadership role, is anything but easy. It's not just a smooth journey filled with positive experiences. Women have to put in twice the effort and dedication to make their mark.

In everyday situations, it's common to face challenges; clients might ignore your suggestions or not make eye contact just because you're a woman. You might be called by your father's name rather than your own, your authority may be challenged by those who report to you, among many other obstacles.

Over time, women have adapted to these situations, but these are crucial conversations we need to have about being a woman leader in the modern world.

The Path of Female Leadership

Female leaders often face stereotypes of being tough, emotional, stubborn, and even ruthless. Yet, many overlook that leadership and womanhood are separate, unique paths.

Embracing both strength and gentleness isn't a flaw; it's a reflection of one's true self. Unlike men, who may easily dismiss emotions and conflicts, women often cannot—and perhaps should not—ignore their feelings so readily.

For women, every aspect of their professional journey holds weight. They strive to reach the upper echelons, to connect with influential figures. So, why shouldn't they be allowed to bring their emotions along? Why not honor their personal milestones—pregnancies, marriages, family—without skepticism? Why not afford them promotions on merit, rather than as token gestures?

Women should be empowered to lead in their own way, to stumble, learn, and evolve. After all, every great leader began somewhere; what they need is the opportunity to start.

A woman's world they say

Despite statistics and campaigns suggesting significant progress in gender issues and women's rights, the actual situation remains quite precarious.

Consider the number of women who are unable to complete their university education alongside their peers because they become pregnant or need to drop out to start or take care of their families.

Reflect on the number of women who endure hardship in the workplace, being labeled as too fragile, too emotional, or too sensitive. Remarks such as "probably on her days" are common when a woman's mood fluctuates or she asserts herself on certain issues.

And let's not overlook the women with families. How many of them confront severe challenges at work when they cannot meet demands due to marital problems, lack of childcare support, or unsupportive spouses?

Finally, think about the women who forgo time with their families and loved ones to contribute to the community or to gain recognition as someone of significance and importance.

Thy Velvet Voice Speaks Out

As a woman, I stand unafraid to voice my truth. Navigating the professional world in the 21st Century as a woman is far from easy; it's a constant struggle against authority, media scrutiny, biases, and disrespect, all to establish oneself as a woman of impact.

To every woman, know your rights and stand firm in your battles. You are invaluable, your journey matters, and your voice deserves to be heard.

The time has come for mutual respect to prevail, for everyone to have a place at the table. The goal is not to create a world dominated by women or men, but to foster a world where equality and respect are universal.