Women Legal Service Victoria (WLSV) released its latest research into the state of gender inequality and sexism in Victoria’s legal and justice sector.

The report draws on a survey of over 300 legal and justice professionals, conducted in early 2021 and demonstrates the critical need for an intersectional approach to gender equality.

Read the full research report and its recommendations here.

Key findings identify critical areas that require genuine action by those who hold power and privilege in the sector, and demonstrates that the needs and experiences of professionals whose careers and wellbeing are harmed by inequalities must be at the centre of all efforts.  

Eila Pourasgheri, Women’s Legal Director of Education and Engagement, said: “This report builds on the 2019 Starts With Us Discussion paper and helps us to better understand how the needs of all women in the legal and justice sector can be better met. It tells us clearly that a one size fits all approach to gender inequality won’t work.”  

Dr Monica Campo, Research Manager, said legal and Justice organisations have a responsibility to make workplaces safe. “Over half of the research participants observed discrimination in their workplaces and almost half reported considering leaving the sector,”

Dr Campo said. “As a workforce of 32,000 people, our sector can make a significant contribution to Victoria-wide efforts to address sexism and gender inequality as the underlying drivers of violence against women.” Ms Pourasgheri added “If we are serious about ending violence against women, workplaces are a key setting for change and the legal sector has an important role to play.” 

The Women’s Legal Services Victoria’s research report and wider Starts With Us project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence strategy and aims to drive workplace gender equality action to prevent violence against women in the legal and justice sector.

Read the full research report and its recommendations here.

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