In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and empowerment, the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan unveiled the Women in Law Calendar of Firsts in December 2023. This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in the legal landscape of Pakistan. Since its inception in 2016, the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan has been at the forefront, initiating discussions, sparking debates, and advocating for the visibility and fair representation of female lawyers within the country’s legal profession.
The launch of the Women in Law Calendar in 2023 stands as a poignant acknowledgment of the female lawyers who, since the early years, shattered glass ceilings and navigated numerous visible and invisible barriers to carve their space in the realm of legal practice in Pakistan. It serves as a tribute to those trailblazers who have played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of women in law over the past century. Notably, the Calendar also signifies the commencement of the celebration of 100 years of women in law, spanning from 1923 to 2023.
Nida Usman, the founder of the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan, expressed the significance of the calendar during its launch event. She highlighted its role as the first of many more to come, serving as a tribute to the female law professionals who have fervently struggled for representation over the last century. Nida’s remarks reflect a dual purpose: not only does the calendar commemorate past achievements, but it also prompts contemplation on the progress made, the distance covered, and the journey that lies ahead for women in the legal field.
At the core of the Women in Law Calendar initiative is the aim to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and inspire the next generation of female legal professionals. It goes beyond being a conventional collection of dates, evolving into a powerful visual narrative that shares the stories of resilience, determination, and excellence of women who have carved their niches in the legal arena.
The calendar serves as a testament to the diversity of talent within the legal community, showcasing women excelling in various legal domains such as judiciary, bar politics, law practice, prosecution, and more. By doing so, it aims to dismantle stereotypes that have long confined women to predefined roles within the legal profession, encouraging a broader and more inclusive view of potential careers for women in law. While fostering the core values of Women in Law Initiative Pakistan including diversity and inclusion, the Calendar features women from diverse geographical backgrounds.
By providing a platform for these narratives, the Women in Law Calendar of Firsts becomes a source of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals, fostering a belief that gender should never be a barrier to success. The calendar’s impact transcends the confines of its pages, aiming to instigate tangible change within the legal landscape by promoting diversity, gender equality, and inclusion.
The Women in Law Calendar of Firsts by the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan is a groundbreaking initiative that transcends the conventional boundaries of timekeeping. It stands as a testament to the resilience and accomplishments of women in the legal field of Pakistan, celebrating pioneers who have defied odds and paved the way for future generations. This initiative not only commemorates the past but propels a vision for a more inclusive and empowering future for women in law. As the calendar marks the beginning of a century-long celebration, it serves as a reminder that recognizing and appreciating the contributions of women in the legal profession is not just a calendar event but a continuous commitment towards equality and justice.
Waiza Rafique is lawyer, writer, human rights advocate and a lecturer of law. She tweets at @WaizaRafique
