Women in Law: Her Law, Her Legacy

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ the Women in Law: Her Law, Her Legacy event held on February 28th at Menara BAC was more than just a gathering - it was a movement. Organised by Yayasan Tan Sri Profesor Ahmad Ibrahim with the support of Inns of Court Malaysia and hosted by Brickfields Asia College (BAC), the event brought together some of the most distinguished legal minds in Malaysia.

Honouring Trailblazers in Law

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed Guests of Honour, including:

• Yang Amat Arif Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, Chief Justice of Malaysia
• Yang Amat Arif Tan Sri Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan, Judge of the Federal Court of Malaysia
• Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Yayasan Tan Sri Professor Ahmad Ibrahim
• Dato' Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre and former Judge of the Federal Court of Malaysia

These women have shattered glass ceilings, rewritten narratives, and paved the way for future generations in the legal field. Their legacies serve as a powerful reminder that the sky is the limit for women in law.

The Power of Women in Law

Dato’ Edwin Paramjothy, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Tan Sri Professor Ahmad Ibrahim, set the tone for the event with an inspiring speech. He highlighted the progress and perseverance of women in the legal fraternity, acknowledging that while the legal profession was not originally designed with women in mind, they have continued to prove that they belong.

He paid tribute to Chief Justice Tengku Maimun, whose journey from humble beginnings in Kota Bharu to becoming a reformist of the judiciary reflects the strength, independence, and resilience of women in law. He also emphasised the need to move beyond outdated, reductive questions about balancing career and family, reinforcing that success is based on merit rather than gender.

The Legacy of Women in Law

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, a true champion of women’s rights, delivered a passionate speech on breaking systemic biases that hinder women in today’s patriarchal society. Reflecting on her career, she recalled her transition from corporate law to public service and her advocacy for gender equality.

She shared her experience in pushing for the constitutional amendment of Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, which eliminated gender-based discrimination in Malaysia. Quoting Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she emphasised, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made." She also urged the next generation to continue advocating for equality and representation.

Panel Discussion: Redefining Leadership in Law

Moderated by Ms Sharmila Ravindran (Managing Partner of Ravindran Advocates & Solicitors), the panel discussion featured some of the most influential women in law:

• Yang Arif Roz Mawar Rozain, High Court Judge at the Kuala Lumpur High Court
• Raja Eileen Soraya binti Raja Aman, Management Partner at Raja, Darryl & Loh Advocates & Solicitors
• Dato' Shyamala Alagendra, International Criminal Lawyer, Barrister at Temple Garden Chambers
• Dr. Jasmine Begum, Regional Director & Chief Legal Counsel at Microsoft ASEAN

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Meritocracy and Gender Equality: Yang Arif Roz Mawar affirmed that Malaysia has made significant strides in recognising women’s capabilities in the judiciary, emphasising that true meritocracy ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. She also noted that the real challenge is not about getting women into leadership but supporting them to stay and thrive in these roles.
2. Women in International Justice: Dato' Shyamala Alagendra spoke about the presence of women in international justice and accountability. She honoured the courageous women who have shaped international criminal law, sharing powerful testimonies of survivors who have testified against war criminals and shaped landmark rulings on war crimes.
3. Women in Leadership and Technology: Dr. Jasmine Begum provided insights into how women in technogeopolitics policymaking can reshape the world, recalling her role in advocating for women’s banking rights in Saudi Arabia. She highlighted the need for greater female representation in technology law, emphasising that inclusive policies are crucial for accelerating gender equality.

A Legacy That Inspires Future Generations

The event concluded with a powerful reminder that representation matters. The achievements of these remarkable women serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring lawyers, law students, and young professionals. As Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil aptly stated, "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, she stands up for all women."

With the success of Women in Law: Her Law, Her Legacy, the conversation on gender equality in law continues. This event is just the beginning; one that will pave the way for more discussions, policies, and actions that accelerate progress for women in the legal profession and beyond.