International Women’s Day 2026
Give to Gain: When Women Thrive, We All Rise
On Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the Society of Asian Lawyers marked International Women’s Day with an evening that was honest, challenging and deeply inspiring.
Centred on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the discussion explored how standing up for others, sharing platforms and acting with generosity can create real and lasting change.
The event brought together legal professionals and allies to reflect on a simple but powerful truth: progress is not passive. If we want the landscape to shift, we have to build it differently and together.
Voices from the Panel
Her Honour Judge Kalyani Kaul KC, Circuit Judge and Chair and Founder of the Judicial Support network, opened the evening with a moving account of leadership, resilience and courage. Speaking candidly about discrimination, wellbeing and accountability within the judiciary, she reminded us that meaningful reform often comes at personal cost and that giving voice to injustice is itself an act of generosity. Her work has contributed to landmark change, including the Ministry of Justice formally accepting that it owes judges a duty of care, and international advocacy recognised at the United Nations.
Sonal Dashani, Barrister and Head of the Fraud and Economic Crime Group at 25 Bedford Row Chambers – who was congratulated having recently been appointment a KC – reflected on navigating community and family expectations while building a career in high-profile financial crime. She spoke candidly about the importance of asking for opportunities, because ‘’if you don’t ask, you don’t get’’ and about making a tangible difference by simply being there for others or standing up when it matters. Her message was clear: progress is created through action, not intention alone.
Ravi Kaur Mahey, Director at Cartwright King, spoke with clarity and conviction about allyship and access to justice. Emphasising a “nothing is impossible” mindset, Ravi challenged the idea that difference is a barrier stating, ‘’I’m not like you, but that does not mean I am unable to be like you.” She highlighted the importance of using our platforms to recognise vulnerability within our communities, and the vital role fathers and men can play as allies in gender equality.
Why Give to Gain Matters
The conversation was grounded in reality. SAL’s President, Muntech Kaur, shared recent data from the Bar Council which shows that while women make up 40% of practising barristers, only 21% of King’s Counsel with women, and just 11% overall come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The figures for solicitors collected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority were also very telling which is even lower with the summer 2023 data showing the number of women in law firms at 53% but continuing to be underrepresented in partnership, particularly in larger firms. The data shows that female representation narrows the higher you go.
Against this backdrop, Give to Gain is not a slogan, it is a call to action. It asks each of us to mentor, sponsor, speak up and share space, so that talent is not lost and voices are not silenced.
A powerful takeaway resonated throughout the evening: giving is not a loss, but a multiplier. When women align, moving beyond comparison, quiet competition or fragmentation, our collective influence is extraordinary.
International Women’s Day is not just a moment in the calendar. It is a reminder to support one another all year round, to celebrate collective success, and to build a profession where generosity creates momentum.
Our thanks to 25 Bedford Row Chambers, who sponsored this year’s event.
Give to Gain – because when women thrive, we all rise!
Asia Razaq-Miah
Family Law Solicitor & Secretary of Society of Asian Lawyers
