Delhi HC Women Lawyers Forum holds session on 'Seizing Opportunities And Not Focusing On The Glass Ceiling'

In continuation of their pursuit to discuss topics important to female lawyers, the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum on Friday held a session on "Seizing Opportunities And Not Focusing On The Glass Ceiling"..While Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, Advocate Anjana Gosain and Ritu Bhalla, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas formed part of the panel of speakers, Advocates Suneita Ojha and Kritika Gupta were the moderators. ."Personally, I never felt that there was an institutionally sponsored glass ceiling", said Ritu Bhalla as she asserted that the gender of the arguing counsel never mattered to a judge, preparedness did. .Bhalla, however, acknowledged the existence of "individual biases". ."I call them glass canopies. The best part about canopies is that it has four exits.", Bhalla remarked as she shared her experience with a certain Judge who was dismissive of her because of her gender and a client who always felt compelled to compliment her saris..Stating that her aim was to give voice to the underdog, Senior Advocate Luthra remarked that she did not "see herself as a woman" when she was defending a client..She said that although female lawyers across the globe faced the same issues, our western counterparts were at least two decades ahead of us. .Luthra also spoke at length on the importance of family support and women supporting other women. .No substitute for hard work, tell yourself you are here to stay: Justice Jyoti Singh speaks at Delhi HC Women's Lawyers Forum.Advocate Anjana Gosain, who has over 40 years of experience at the Bar, remarked that although there were certain "inherent situations" with being a woman but they need not be seen as a weakness. ."Glass ceiling is which you have to consider. Every person gets opportunities, you have to recognise it. Every country is great, but you have to be greater. Don't let others dictate..", she said as she asked young lawyers to always work towards proving their merit in the profession. .When you become a mother, you have to have the confidence to carry on. Everything follows. Biggest part is to be guilt free. Your male colleague is also here. He is also a father.she added. ."This profession is for those who want to stay..", Gosain said..Gosain also spoke at length on her early days in the profession when entry was challenging but female lawyers never felt that they were a minority..During the course of the session, Ritu Bhalla urged young lawyers to draw a distinction between "doing our jobs" and "planning our careers". .She also spoke on getting rid of the "tiara complex" wherein females avoid projecting their achievements and wait for someone else to "put the tiara on our heads". .A man gets an award, the entire town will know..We've all heard of Vrinda Grover. How many of us know that she was named as Times Top 100 most influential people?Bhalla remarked. .Bhalla also stressed on women entering legal domains which are perceived as "male-dominated" such as economic laws and taxation. .As the panelists demanded "institutional support" apart from familial support, Kajal Chandra, Member Executive (25 years standing) informed all that a place has already been finalised to soon open a creche facility in the Delhi High Court. .Read the entire account of the session here: