IBA report calls for urgent reforms to support women in the legal profession 

A new International Bar Association (IBA) report has identified persistent structural barriers preventing women lawyers from progressing into senior leadership roles, despite increased awareness and diversity initiatives across the profession. 

The Raising the Bar: Women in Law – Phase 2 Report draws on a global survey of 5,000 women lawyers across 100 jurisdictions, examining career progression, retention, workplace culture and the effectiveness of gender equity initiatives. The research was conducted by the IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit, with support from the IBA Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Women Lawyers Committee. 

Flexible working and mentoring matter most 

The survey found that flexible working arrangements are the most effective workplace support, with 33 per cent of respondents identifying flexibility as having the greatest positive impact on their careers. Coaching and mentoring ranked second, cited by 20 per cent of respondents. 

However, many women reported that existing measures do not go far enough. Respondents called for stronger action in key areas, including: 

• pay equity and transparency 
  
  
• mental health support 
  
  
• support for parents and carers
   
  
• access to professional development 
  
  
• targeted support at key life stages, including menopause and perimenopause 
  
  

Caring responsibilities and burnout remain significant pressures 

Caring responsibilities continue to place significant pressure on women in the profession. Around half of respondents have dependent children, and almost 40 per cent reported additional caring responsibilities. 

Across jurisdictions, women described recurring challenges, including gender discrimination, bullying and harassment, the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and high levels of career burnout. Many emphasised the importance of mentorship and strong support networks in retaining women in the profession.
 

Recommendations for employers and professional bodies 

The report sets out a series of global recommendations for legal employers, professional bodies and individual practitioners. These build on earlier IBA research into workplace culture, mental wellbeing, bullying and harassment, and diversity and inclusion in law. 

In the report’s foreword, current and former IBA Presidents emphasise that achieving an inclusive and equitable profession requires leadership, collaboration and sustained effort, and reaffirm the IBA’s longterm commitment to evidencebased reform. 

A longterm global research project 

Launched in 2021, the Raising the Bar: Women in Law project is a multiyear initiative examining women’s representation across legal sectors and jurisdictions, with a particular focus on senior roles. Phase 1 focused on countrylevel data across law firms, inhouse teams, the public sector, the judiciary and the Bar. 

The Phase 2 report was released in March 2026 during International Women’s Week in London. 

_{Photo: courtesy of the International Bar Association}

Source: Media Release from the International Bar Association 17 March 2026