Ahlawat & Associates integrates UN Women’s Empowerment Principles across firm practices

Ahlawat & Associates has officially joined the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equality.

Ahlawat & Associates was founded in 1978 by Avnish Ahlawat, one of India’s pioneering female litigators. Today, women play pivotal roles across management, practice groups and client engagement. By signing the WEPs, the firm strengthens its pledge to advance gender equality within the organisation.

The firm integrates the WEPs principles into governance, talent development and mentoring programs, ensuring that leadership, client work and career progression reflect a commitment to equality.

The firm has pledged to put into action the Seven Women’s Empowerment Principles, which provide a roadmap for advancing gender equality at every level- workplace, marketplace and community. These include:

1. Strong leadership commitment to gender equality

2. Fair treatment of all employees, with zero tolerance for discrimination

3. A safe, healthy, and supportive work environment for everyone

4. Opportunities for women’s education, training, and career growth

5. Business practices and marketing that empower women

6. Promoting equality through community initiatives and advocacy

7. Transparency- tracking and publicly reporting progress

Reflecting on this milestone, Founding Partner Avnish Ahlawat noted,

“When I established this firm, my aim was to create a space where merit mattered above all else. Gender should not limit ambition. Signing the WEPs reinforces our commitment to ensure that talent and leadership are accessible to all.”

Partner Sheena Ogra added,

“Law firms have a responsibility to shape professional culture. By signing the WEPs, we acknowledge the role law firms play in fostering equality internally and across the legal profession.”

Launched through a collaboration between UN Women and the UN Global Compact, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) provide a globally recognized framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across the workplace, marketplace and community. The initiative underscores the vital role of women in driving economic growth and inclusive development. Since its inception, the WEPs community has expanded into a truly global movement, bringing together companies, chambers of commerce, industry associations and cooperatives from over 190 countries.

Learn more about the WEPs commitment by Ahlawat & Associates here.