Challenges a woman has to face while choosing law as a career
Challenges a woman has to face while choosing law as a career
Challenges a woman has to face while choosing law as a career
Introduction
There is not a single part of the world where a girl can live life without facing challenges and adversities. Even in the world of justice, a woman has to face a lot of injustice. The challenge in the life of a woman does not start from the moment she chooses a law career. Rather, it starts from the moment she comes into the world. The life of a woman is not seen at all as a boy's. Whatever she does or chooses, it is considered something unusual or awkward. These differences become intense when a girl chooses law as a career.
Because the law field is considered a male domain, full of hardship and adversities deemed unsuitable for women, women face greater challenges due to the superficial belief that law is not for them.
Challenges
There are some challenges a woman has to face while choosing a law career:
The first challenge is that when a girl enters law college, even in her first year, she must confront numerous difficulties, including managing her time. Time is not a concern for boys, but it is a significant issue for girls. It becomes one of the greatest obstacles a woman has to confront.
The timing of law college is not fixed; sometimes it runs late at night. This situation is inappropriate for a girl who is on her own. The issue of time management continues even after the course ends; in fact, it marks the beginning of new challenges. Thereafter, in their careers, regardless of whether they choose litigation, the judiciary, or other services, they will face the challenge of working late hours. Time cannot be a significant challenge for those who come from a liberal family, but what about those who come from a strict, conservative, and patriarchal family?
Example: I remember one case when I was in my first year. There was a girl who had to go back home in the evening. It was a tremendous challenge for her to stay in college and then return all alone through unsafe roads. Along the way, she felt anxious, vulnerable, and even a She felt a little fearful as strangers stared at her or whispered comments, which reminded her of how crucial timing is in a girl’s life. People who were usually familiar looked at her differently, as if she had come from somewhere unknown, and this situation made her feel judged and exposed. The journey was not just physically exhausting but also emotionally disturbing, and it showed how the basic aspects of life can be a challenge, like going home in just dark, a significant obstacle for girls. Hence, timing matters a lot when it comes to a girl’s life.
The second challenge is the environment. Since it is not new that law college is co-ed, it is considered a profoundly excellent thing for personal development and beneficial growth, and students even learn many aspects of life from opposite genders. Moreover, the environment makes the girls strong enough to survive in the world of men.
However, the space is used for something else. Many times, girls have to face significant inconveniences, like staring, stalking, and flirting, which make their lives unsettling instead of making the environment neutral. This practice is not limited to college classes. It is done wherever they go together, whether it is for internships or other programs.
Many a time, girls are misunderstood just because they are kind-hearted, neutral, natural, or don't notice what is imagined for them by others. All of this contributes significantly to hindrance and insecurity in a girl's life.
Even after landmark cases like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 6 SCC 241, workplace harassment continues to be a barrier for women starting a legal career. This is because the field of law has fewer women than men, as many women opt for careers that do not only provide them with a strong platform to work but also impact our society. It is also a prerequisite to have a neutral and safe environment where a woman does not feel hesitant or insecure while contributing to the world’s development.
The third challenge is travelling, which is one of the greatest challenges I would like to draw attention to. In this context, "travelling" refers not to the mode of transportation, such as a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, but rather to the distance a girl must cover to reach her destination.
Sometimes law colleges are quite far from home; they have to travel a long way unaccompanied. It can be very intimidating for them if they are using their vehicle or other transportation services while alone. other transportation services while alone. services when they are alone. The problem comes when they have to complete a journey independently.
This includes facing trafficking along the way, enduring significant discomfort while sitting in a vehicle, and listening to both relevant and irrelevant conversations from the people they encounter throughout their journey. Those who come from very far and don’t even have their vehicle have to face different levels of adversity. For example, girls may feel uncomfortable with strangers; at times, they find themselves sharing a vehicle with a drunk person, and other times, they are chased. This all renders the life of a girl uncomfortable when they just feel they should pursue a career where they do not have to face all this.
The fourth challenge is that society needs to be supportive, understanding, and liberal in terms of a girl's life. But what if a society consists of people who highlight every act of girls in a negative way?
When a girl chooses to study law in her first year, she must endure numerous irrelevant judgments about her character. She is not seen the same way as she was perceived before. As it is superficially, now that a girl is studying with boys, she would not be seen as good as before; her character would not be considered pure as before. And in such circumstances, whenever she goes and comes, she is seen with eyes that are used for someone who is alien.
Since girls are treated differently in the environment where they are brought up by people they know well, how can they expect to be treated better by others they meet later in life?
For instance, even historic legal figures like Cornelia Sorabji—the first Indian woman to study law—were denied degrees or the right to practice because of societal and institutional bias against women lawyers. This long-standing societal skepticism is reflected today too, where data shows women comprise only about 15% of total enrolled lawyers, and many women advocates still face gender bias and discrimination in their careers.
At first, when girls are within their family, they are often considered obedient, bold, and strong. But once they choose a career in law, society often labels them as overreactive, demanding what is not “theirs,” or trying to dominate a male-dominated space, even accusing them of spreading matriarchy. This phenomenon is why many are discouraged from pursuing law. Because such ambitions make them stronger and more empowered. And once they are stronger and empowered, they challenge a male-dominated society. This is why men feel vulnerable as girls grow and develop. And that becomes one of the greatest challenges a woman has to face to defend herself and to choose a career like law in a world where men outnumber females.
The life of a girl becomes increasingly arduous as she progresses. All that is mentioned above continues to cast a shadow over her, but when she enters the real world, i.e., in court or at a firm, she faces multiple levels of struggle. She is required to balance both her career and family responsibilities. Working hours increase, the work environment can become insecure, and the timing of tasks fluctuates. Occasionally, she even has to travel independently across long distances.
This aspect is not a big deal in itself, because a woman is human, just like a man. However, the way women are perceived and treated needs to change to make their lives easier, more comfortable, and more secure.
When there is significant development in various fields, why should there not also be a development of thought regarding women, especially those who choose a career in law? Families, society, and the world should allow girls to live their lives in the same way as boys do. However, women are very resilient in dealing with all these challenges, making their contributions to the field of law on a large scale despite facing obstacles. They have understood that this is not the only area where they will have to face difficulties; rather, wherever they go and whatever they choose, they may be treated differently. Nevertheless, without worrying about the world’s treatment, they continue to strengthen their resilience and immunity to challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is published for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or professional counsel. It does not create a lawyer–client relationship. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and represent their independent analysis. ClearLaw.online does not endorse, verify, or assume responsibility for the author’s views or conclusions. Despite maintaining editorial standards, ClearLaw.online, the author, and the publisher disclaim all liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on this content. Readers are advised to consult a qualified legal professional before acting on any information herein. Use of this article is at the reader’s own risk.
Introduction
There is not a single part of the world where a girl can live life without facing challenges and adversities. Even in the world of justice, a woman has to face a lot of injustice. The challenge in the life of a woman does not start from the moment she chooses a law career. Rather, it starts from the moment she comes into the world. The life of a woman is not seen at all as a boy's. Whatever she does or chooses, it is considered something unusual or awkward. These differences become intense when a girl chooses law as a career.
Because the law field is considered a male domain, full of hardship and adversities deemed unsuitable for women, women face greater challenges due to the superficial belief that law is not for them.
Challenges
There are some challenges a woman has to face while choosing a law career:
The first challenge is that when a girl enters law college, even in her first year, she must confront numerous difficulties, including managing her time. Time is not a concern for boys, but it is a significant issue for girls. It becomes one of the greatest obstacles a woman has to confront.
The timing of law college is not fixed; sometimes it runs late at night. This situation is inappropriate for a girl who is on her own. The issue of time management continues even after the course ends; in fact, it marks the beginning of new challenges. Thereafter, in their careers, regardless of whether they choose litigation, the judiciary, or other services, they will face the challenge of working late hours. Time cannot be a significant challenge for those who come from a liberal family, but what about those who come from a strict, conservative, and patriarchal family?
Example: I remember one case when I was in my first year. There was a girl who had to go back home in the evening. It was a tremendous challenge for her to stay in college and then return all alone through unsafe roads. Along the way, she felt anxious, vulnerable, and even a She felt a little fearful as strangers stared at her or whispered comments, which reminded her of how crucial timing is in a girl’s life. People who were usually familiar looked at her differently, as if she had come from somewhere unknown, and this situation made her feel judged and exposed. The journey was not just physically exhausting but also emotionally disturbing, and it showed how the basic aspects of life can be a challenge, like going home in just dark, a significant obstacle for girls. Hence, timing matters a lot when it comes to a girl’s life.
The second challenge is the environment. Since it is not new that law college is co-ed, it is considered a profoundly excellent thing for personal development and beneficial growth, and students even learn many aspects of life from opposite genders. Moreover, the environment makes the girls strong enough to survive in the world of men.
However, the space is used for something else. Many times, girls have to face significant inconveniences, like staring, stalking, and flirting, which make their lives unsettling instead of making the environment neutral. This practice is not limited to college classes. It is done wherever they go together, whether it is for internships or other programs.
Many a time, girls are misunderstood just because they are kind-hearted, neutral, natural, or don't notice what is imagined for them by others. All of this contributes significantly to hindrance and insecurity in a girl's life.
Even after landmark cases like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 6 SCC 241, workplace harassment continues to be a barrier for women starting a legal career. This is because the field of law has fewer women than men, as many women opt for careers that do not only provide them with a strong platform to work but also impact our society. It is also a prerequisite to have a neutral and safe environment where a woman does not feel hesitant or insecure while contributing to the world’s development.
The third challenge is travelling, which is one of the greatest challenges I would like to draw attention to. In this context, "travelling" refers not to the mode of transportation, such as a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, but rather to the distance a girl must cover to reach her destination.
Sometimes law colleges are quite far from home; they have to travel a long way unaccompanied. It can be very intimidating for them if they are using their vehicle or other transportation services while alone. other transportation services while alone. services when they are alone. The problem comes when they have to complete a journey independently.
This includes facing trafficking along the way, enduring significant discomfort while sitting in a vehicle, and listening to both relevant and irrelevant conversations from the people they encounter throughout their journey. Those who come from very far and don’t even have their vehicle have to face different levels of adversity. For example, girls may feel uncomfortable with strangers; at times, they find themselves sharing a vehicle with a drunk person, and other times, they are chased. This all renders the life of a girl uncomfortable when they just feel they should pursue a career where they do not have to face all this.
The fourth challenge is that society needs to be supportive, understanding, and liberal in terms of a girl's life. But what if a society consists of people who highlight every act of girls in a negative way?
When a girl chooses to study law in her first year, she must endure numerous irrelevant judgments about her character. She is not seen the same way as she was perceived before. As it is superficially, now that a girl is studying with boys, she would not be seen as good as before; her character would not be considered pure as before. And in such circumstances, whenever she goes and comes, she is seen with eyes that are used for someone who is alien.
Since girls are treated differently in the environment where they are brought up by people they know well, how can they expect to be treated better by others they meet later in life?
For instance, even historic legal figures like Cornelia Sorabji—the first Indian woman to study law—were denied degrees or the right to practice because of societal and institutional bias against women lawyers. This long-standing societal skepticism is reflected today too, where data shows women comprise only about 15% of total enrolled lawyers, and many women advocates still face gender bias and discrimination in their careers.
At first, when girls are within their family, they are often considered obedient, bold, and strong. But once they choose a career in law, society often labels them as overreactive, demanding what is not “theirs,” or trying to dominate a male-dominated space, even accusing them of spreading matriarchy. This phenomenon is why many are discouraged from pursuing law. Because such ambitions make them stronger and more empowered. And once they are stronger and empowered, they challenge a male-dominated society. This is why men feel vulnerable as girls grow and develop. And that becomes one of the greatest challenges a woman has to face to defend herself and to choose a career like law in a world where men outnumber females.
The life of a girl becomes increasingly arduous as she progresses. All that is mentioned above continues to cast a shadow over her, but when she enters the real world, i.e., in court or at a firm, she faces multiple levels of struggle. She is required to balance both her career and family responsibilities. Working hours increase, the work environment can become insecure, and the timing of tasks fluctuates. Occasionally, she even has to travel independently across long distances.
This aspect is not a big deal in itself, because a woman is human, just like a man. However, the way women are perceived and treated needs to change to make their lives easier, more comfortable, and more secure.
When there is significant development in various fields, why should there not also be a development of thought regarding women, especially those who choose a career in law? Families, society, and the world should allow girls to live their lives in the same way as boys do. However, women are very resilient in dealing with all these challenges, making their contributions to the field of law on a large scale despite facing obstacles. They have understood that this is not the only area where they will have to face difficulties; rather, wherever they go and whatever they choose, they may be treated differently. Nevertheless, without worrying about the world’s treatment, they continue to strengthen their resilience and immunity to challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is published for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or professional counsel. It does not create a lawyer–client relationship. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and represent their independent analysis. ClearLaw.online does not endorse, verify, or assume responsibility for the author’s views or conclusions. Despite maintaining editorial standards, ClearLaw.online, the author, and the publisher disclaim all liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on this content. Readers are advised to consult a qualified legal professional before acting on any information herein. Use of this article is at the reader’s own risk.
Introduction
There is not a single part of the world where a girl can live life without facing challenges and adversities. Even in the world of justice, a woman has to face a lot of injustice. The challenge in the life of a woman does not start from the moment she chooses a law career. Rather, it starts from the moment she comes into the world. The life of a woman is not seen at all as a boy's. Whatever she does or chooses, it is considered something unusual or awkward. These differences become intense when a girl chooses law as a career.
Because the law field is considered a male domain, full of hardship and adversities deemed unsuitable for women, women face greater challenges due to the superficial belief that law is not for them.
Challenges
There are some challenges a woman has to face while choosing a law career:
The first challenge is that when a girl enters law college, even in her first year, she must confront numerous difficulties, including managing her time. Time is not a concern for boys, but it is a significant issue for girls. It becomes one of the greatest obstacles a woman has to confront.
The timing of law college is not fixed; sometimes it runs late at night. This situation is inappropriate for a girl who is on her own. The issue of time management continues even after the course ends; in fact, it marks the beginning of new challenges. Thereafter, in their careers, regardless of whether they choose litigation, the judiciary, or other services, they will face the challenge of working late hours. Time cannot be a significant challenge for those who come from a liberal family, but what about those who come from a strict, conservative, and patriarchal family?
Example: I remember one case when I was in my first year. There was a girl who had to go back home in the evening. It was a tremendous challenge for her to stay in college and then return all alone through unsafe roads. Along the way, she felt anxious, vulnerable, and even a She felt a little fearful as strangers stared at her or whispered comments, which reminded her of how crucial timing is in a girl’s life. People who were usually familiar looked at her differently, as if she had come from somewhere unknown, and this situation made her feel judged and exposed. The journey was not just physically exhausting but also emotionally disturbing, and it showed how the basic aspects of life can be a challenge, like going home in just dark, a significant obstacle for girls. Hence, timing matters a lot when it comes to a girl’s life.
The second challenge is the environment. Since it is not new that law college is co-ed, it is considered a profoundly excellent thing for personal development and beneficial growth, and students even learn many aspects of life from opposite genders. Moreover, the environment makes the girls strong enough to survive in the world of men.
However, the space is used for something else. Many times, girls have to face significant inconveniences, like staring, stalking, and flirting, which make their lives unsettling instead of making the environment neutral. This practice is not limited to college classes. It is done wherever they go together, whether it is for internships or other programs.
Many a time, girls are misunderstood just because they are kind-hearted, neutral, natural, or don't notice what is imagined for them by others. All of this contributes significantly to hindrance and insecurity in a girl's life.
Even after landmark cases like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 6 SCC 241, workplace harassment continues to be a barrier for women starting a legal career. This is because the field of law has fewer women than men, as many women opt for careers that do not only provide them with a strong platform to work but also impact our society. It is also a prerequisite to have a neutral and safe environment where a woman does not feel hesitant or insecure while contributing to the world’s development.
The third challenge is travelling, which is one of the greatest challenges I would like to draw attention to. In this context, "travelling" refers not to the mode of transportation, such as a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, but rather to the distance a girl must cover to reach her destination.
Sometimes law colleges are quite far from home; they have to travel a long way unaccompanied. It can be very intimidating for them if they are using their vehicle or other transportation services while alone. other transportation services while alone. services when they are alone. The problem comes when they have to complete a journey independently.
This includes facing trafficking along the way, enduring significant discomfort while sitting in a vehicle, and listening to both relevant and irrelevant conversations from the people they encounter throughout their journey. Those who come from very far and don’t even have their vehicle have to face different levels of adversity. For example, girls may feel uncomfortable with strangers; at times, they find themselves sharing a vehicle with a drunk person, and other times, they are chased. This all renders the life of a girl uncomfortable when they just feel they should pursue a career where they do not have to face all this.
The fourth challenge is that society needs to be supportive, understanding, and liberal in terms of a girl's life. But what if a society consists of people who highlight every act of girls in a negative way?
When a girl chooses to study law in her first year, she must endure numerous irrelevant judgments about her character. She is not seen the same way as she was perceived before. As it is superficially, now that a girl is studying with boys, she would not be seen as good as before; her character would not be considered pure as before. And in such circumstances, whenever she goes and comes, she is seen with eyes that are used for someone who is alien.
Since girls are treated differently in the environment where they are brought up by people they know well, how can they expect to be treated better by others they meet later in life?
For instance, even historic legal figures like Cornelia Sorabji—the first Indian woman to study law—were denied degrees or the right to practice because of societal and institutional bias against women lawyers. This long-standing societal skepticism is reflected today too, where data shows women comprise only about 15% of total enrolled lawyers, and many women advocates still face gender bias and discrimination in their careers.
At first, when girls are within their family, they are often considered obedient, bold, and strong. But once they choose a career in law, society often labels them as overreactive, demanding what is not “theirs,” or trying to dominate a male-dominated space, even accusing them of spreading matriarchy. This phenomenon is why many are discouraged from pursuing law. Because such ambitions make them stronger and more empowered. And once they are stronger and empowered, they challenge a male-dominated society. This is why men feel vulnerable as girls grow and develop. And that becomes one of the greatest challenges a woman has to face to defend herself and to choose a career like law in a world where men outnumber females.
The life of a girl becomes increasingly arduous as she progresses. All that is mentioned above continues to cast a shadow over her, but when she enters the real world, i.e., in court or at a firm, she faces multiple levels of struggle. She is required to balance both her career and family responsibilities. Working hours increase, the work environment can become insecure, and the timing of tasks fluctuates. Occasionally, she even has to travel independently across long distances.
This aspect is not a big deal in itself, because a woman is human, just like a man. However, the way women are perceived and treated needs to change to make their lives easier, more comfortable, and more secure.
When there is significant development in various fields, why should there not also be a development of thought regarding women, especially those who choose a career in law? Families, society, and the world should allow girls to live their lives in the same way as boys do. However, women are very resilient in dealing with all these challenges, making their contributions to the field of law on a large scale despite facing obstacles. They have understood that this is not the only area where they will have to face difficulties; rather, wherever they go and whatever they choose, they may be treated differently. Nevertheless, without worrying about the world’s treatment, they continue to strengthen their resilience and immunity to challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is published for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or professional counsel. It does not create a lawyer–client relationship. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and represent their independent analysis. ClearLaw.online does not endorse, verify, or assume responsibility for the author’s views or conclusions. Despite maintaining editorial standards, ClearLaw.online, the author, and the publisher disclaim all liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on this content. Readers are advised to consult a qualified legal professional before acting on any information herein. Use of this article is at the reader’s own risk.