Clifford Chance

Stellar panel #pressforprogress at Clifford Chance International Women's Day Lunch in Dubai

In advance of International Women's Day 2018, Clifford Chance's Gender Equality Middle East Network hosted a successful business lunch with engaging discussion from an experienced panel of speakers on the themes of #beboldforchange and #pressforprogress. The event was well attended by Clifford Chance clients, alumni, employees and partners, providing an excellent opportunity for lively and insightful debate.

Following the well-received publication of Clifford Chance and Legal 500's collaborative project "Advice to my younger self", in which Clifford Chance asked a number of their clients, alumni, partners and lawyers what advice they wish they could impart to their younger selves, this event continued the conversation, explored the themes of mentoring and sponsorship and reinforced the importance of networking and embracing opportunity. The discussion was chaired by Laura King, who heads up the global people and talent function at Clifford Chance.

Clifford Chance would like to thank the excellent panel speakers for their support and commitment to keeping the discussion around gender parity on the table - Louise Symington-Mills, Founder & CEO, Cityparents Ltd, Lubna Qassim, Global Lawyer, Advocate of Corporate Governance & Gender Parity (and alumnus of Clifford Chance) and Jason Mendens, Partner, Clifford Chance.

The topics discussed included the changing workplace, the influence of the next generation entering the workforce, the need to engage everybody in the conversation and what organisations can do to foster better gender balance.

Panellist Lubna Qassim commented: "The event hosted by Clifford Chance was a true success. It was refreshing for me to see, for the first time, so many men commit their time to an important dialogue of gender diversity. It’s important for men and women inclusively engage on this subject - this is not a woman’s issue but an issue of governance and corporate success. I am hopeful that such inclusive dialogue will progress, influence, shape and advance the pace the progress of gender diversity across different sectors. It’s time for us to think innovatively and boldly to address gender parity in the legal profession.”

After the event, Laura King, Partner and Global Head of People and Talent said "It was an honour to be asked to facilitate this terrific event. Insightful comments and discussion from a great panel and standing-room-only audience demonstrate the shared interest and commitment which these issues represent. We look forward to pressing for continued progress together".

This event was one of a series of activities planned across the firm globally in celebration of International Women's Day.