This year’s International Women’s Day theme of Balancing the Scales is a reminder that progress on gender equality is about fairness, access and opportunity, not just celebration, Queensland Law Society CEO Matt Dunn said.
More than 400 guests attended last week’s QLS IWD Breakfast, which also doubled as a fundraiser for the Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
Following the event, Mr Dunn thanked women “across our organisation and our profession who continue to lead, contribute and challenge us all to be better”.
“It (IWD Day) asks us to look honestly at where things are working well, and where imbalance still exists,” he said.
“In Queensland’s legal profession, the progress is undeniable. Just over a century ago, in 1915, Agnes McWhinney became the first woman admitted as a solicitor in this state.
“Today, women make up more than 55 per cent of practising solicitors, a powerful indicator of long‑term change in who enters and shapes the profession.
“Within our own organisation, that progress is reflected every day. Women now make up almost 70 per cent of QLS staff, and they hold the majority of our leadership positions.
“This isn’t about quotas or symbolism, it speaks to capability, professionalism and the strength that diversity brings to our work.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that balance doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built through sustained effort, good leadership and a willingness to keep improving.”
More than $10,000 was raised for the Women’s Legal Service Queensland at the breakfast event.
Event details:
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Major sponsor: Westpac
Event partners: Bond University Faculty of Law, First Title, legalsuper, Macquarie Bank, PEXA
Photo credit: Cameron Hernandez/Event Photos Australia.
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