The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has released a comprehensive national report titled “Documenting Voices of Women Legal Professionals in India”, highlighting persistent structural inequalities and challenges faced by women in the legal profession across the country.
Based on responses from 2,604 women legal professionals across India, the report presents an empirical analysis of issues ranging from infrastructure and access to opportunities to gender bias, mentorship gaps, and work-life balance. It reveals that while women’s participation in the legal profession has increased, this growth has not translated into equitable representation or professional advancement.
Key findings indicate that a significant majority of respondents perceive systemic disadvantages. Over 81% stated that their professional journey is harder than that of their male counterparts, while more than half reported gender bias in areas such as client trust, fee negotiations, and panel appointments. The report also highlights stark underrepresentation in senior positions, with only a negligible percentage of women attaining top designations such as Senior Advocate.
The survey further highlights infrastructural and financial challenges, noting that a majority of women practitioners operate as sole practitioners with limited access to resources, mentorship, and institutional support. Issues such as lack of childcare support, difficulties during maternity, and work-life imbalance continue to adversely impact career progression.
Importantly, the report identifies reform priorities, including the need for greater representation of women in legal panels and the judiciary, structured mentorship, improved workplace safety, and institutional accountability. A large majority of respondents supported reservation and policy interventions to address gender disparities in the profession.
Positioning the study as a starting point for reform, the SCBA emphasised that the findings aim to drive informed policy changes and institutional introspection to create a more inclusive and equitable legal ecosystem in India.
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