Law Society marks International Women’s Day
Law Society President Rosemarie Loftus has said that, in a profession grounded in justice and the rule of law, it is important to recognise the contributions of women whose work strengthens both the legal system and society.
Speaking at a Law Society event (March 5) to mark International Women’s Day, Loftus said it was remarkable “what we as women have achieved in this little town, this little island of Ireland, but much more importantly, globally”.
Referring to the International Women's Day theme “give to gain”, she encouraged reflection on what women contributed in their personal and professional lives.
President Loftus highlighted qualities she associated with women in the profession – “leadership, mentorship, friendship” and the ability to “support and care [for] all those around us … culminating in dedication to … justice and the rule of law.”
These qualities, she said, shaped families, communities and Irish society, even if women did not always recognise their own influence. She encouraged the audience to “give yourself a little pat on the back and say, well done”.
“Think about yourself and what you have given and achieved,” the president told the audience, stressing that even small contributions were significant and “enhance the wider community”.
She emphasised that giving was “not a test or a competition,” but a shared effort to improve the legal profession and society.
Speaking about the role of women solicitors, the president said they were deeply embedded in their communities, “safeguarding rights and ensuring access to justice”.
She concluded that “our voice as women does make a difference,” urging women to continue giving their best, because doing so would bring “never ending positive gains … [for] the betterment of society as a whole.”
She drew a parallel with the special guests of the evening, theatre director Garry Hynes and actor Marie Mullen, who founded The Druid Theatre company over half a century ago.
Bold idea
Describing them as women with “a great and bold idea and the courage of their convictions” the President said their “vision and a spine of steel” had helped them overcome challenges and create a lasting cultural legacy that connected communities across Ireland through theatre.
Law Society Director General Mark Garrett noted that “so much progress had been made” but that “there was so much more to do in recognising women’s contribution within the profession and within society.”
He stressed the importance of “ensuring that diversity within the profession in all its facets… is addressed,” and that one of the best ways to do this was to “gather people together, have conversations, [and] shed light on progress… and areas where we need further progress.”
He said the Law Society ran a number of programmes to promote diversity within the legal profession and to support recognition of women’s contributions.
Theme
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of networking amongst peers and colleagues, a theme reiterated by Hannah Carney, MC for the gathering, who highlighted the value of “friendships, relationships [and] professional connections” within the profession.
Carney, of Hannah Carney and Associates, encouraged attendees to use the evening to make “new friends” and “have conversations” with colleagues.
She also referenced the work of Law Society Solicitor Services, noting that the programmes offered were designed to support solicitors “in support of your profession, of your learning, of your development at every stage of the life cycle.”
Actor Marie Mullen performed two poems, chosen specially for the evening: Vigil by Dennis O’Driscoll; and The Singers, which the late poet Eavan Boland dedicated to her friend, lawyer and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.
Music was provided by the Belle Harmonics.
- Photographs of the event to follow.