Standing on the shoulders of giants: Looking back at the court judgements that excluded women from becoming legal practitioners, and charting the way forward for woman legal practitioners in South Africa.
By Lesedi Lekoto – University of the Witwatersrand A blindfolded woman holding the scales of justice in one hand, and a sword in the other is the very symbol of the noble profession. It is thus ironic when one considers that women, for the longest of times, were...
South African Women in Law: Celebrating 100 Years of Progress
by Lehlogonolo Matlou – University of the Witwatersrand Introduction The legal profession, a realm historically narrowed by gender biases, has experienced a profound transformation in South Africa over the last century. Women have risen to positions of power in the...
The next 100 years
By Theshaya Naidoo – University of Kwa-Zulu Natal “A fair judiciary is essential for a fair society. And a fair judiciary is one that reflects the diversity of the society it serves.” - Sonia Sotomayor. Introduction The commemoration of the centenary of the entry of...
Celebrating A Century: Women in Law
By Samwel Imanani Alfred – University of Dar Es Salaam Celebrating 100 years of women in law in South Africa is not just a milestone but a testament to the progress and achievements of women in the legal profession. It marks a significant moment in the fight for...
Patriarchy Between the Lines
By Rashmika Singh – Varsity College Introduction A century ago, women were not considered “persons” for the purpose of admission into the legal profession. While the judges’ personal patriarchal biases are somewhat to blame, this decision may have partly been made due...
Women – the soft infrastructure that built the world as we know it
By Ira Garbers - Stellenbosch University “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception. As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there...
Woman who was denied in the legal practice
By Claudine Otto - Varsity College (Pretoria Campus) Cynthia Grant Bowman stated that women are described as a paradox when it comes to the legal profession. The contradicting descriptions between a “woman” and a “lawyer”. Shall she walk and talk right? Sit up...
A NEW CENTURY, BUT THE SAME PROBLEMS FOR WOMEN IN THE LEGAL FIELD
by Rashmika Singh - Varsity College (Westville, KwaZulu-Natal) Introduction It was only in the late 20th century that black women were allowed entry into the legal profession. Before then, women were not considered to be “persons” for the purpose of legislation. After...
Unveiling her gavel: Women in law rewriting history
By Lebogang Mchunu - Wits University 1. Introduction Magdelin Wookey, Constance Mary Hall, Gladys Steyn, Leonora van den Heever, Navanethem Pillay, Desiree Finca, Yvonne Mokgoro, Kate O’Reagan, Lucy Mailula, Mandisa Maya and Shamila Batohi these are some of the names...
Women’s denial of admission to the legal profession in South Africa
By Mavhungu Dakalo - Wits University The earliest case relating to the admission of women in the legal profession in South Africa is the Schelein v incorporated case. This case was about an application by Sonya Schlein to compel the Law Society to register her...