{"id":8853,"date":"2026-03-09T15:23:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/?post_type=insight&p=8853"},"modified":"2026-03-09T15:26:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:26:41","slug":"international-womens-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/perspectives\/international-womens-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Journ\u00e9e internationale de la femme 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunday, 8th<\/sup> March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of reciprocal support for women and girls. When people give, opportunities and support for women increase. From knowledge, resources, education and training to time and support, women thrive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At RFB, we place women at the heart of our business. We currently have 10 female partners across our practice areas, who play a vital role in making RFB great. We also have more female employees than males as a firm, showing our commitment to allowing women to rise and succeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To commemorate this year’s celebrations and theme, we spoke to some of our employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, we spoke with Afsheen Nasr, our Managing partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afsheen Nasr <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Afsheen Nasr, Managing Partner, 11 years. I started\u00a0RFB\u00a0in Feb 2015 as a\u00a01-year\u00a0PQE solicitor in Property.\u00a0\u00a0In June 2016, we opened the Manchester office,\u00a0which I managed\u00a0and grew to a team of approx\u00a020 people.\u00a0By 2018, I made Partner, and\u00a0in\u00a0April 2025, I became the Managing Partner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u00a0I\u00a0knew from\u00a0a very young\u00a0age that I wanted to be a Solicitor. I\u00a0thought I\u00a0wanted to be a family lawyer and was lucky enough to get a paralegal position in this area soon after I graduated, and then trained for 1 year.\u00a0The second seat of my training contract was in\u00a0Property\u00a0, and I knew\u00a0immediately\u00a0property was\u00a0actually the\u00a0one for me!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      I never particularly aspired to become a Partner, but as time went on, my skillset and confidence grew and I really started to enjoy the leadership aspects of the job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        I would say\u00a0if you\u00a0want\u00a0it, you can\u00a0have it. It takes a lot of\u00a0hard work,\u00a0but\u00a0you\u00a0can achieve so much with determination\u00a0and resilience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          It\u00a0recognises the value of women in the world, which can sometimes get overlooked. We all have different\u00a0fates, different opportunities, different circumstances, but\u00a0we all have so much\u00a0to offer and\u00a0are so pivotal to\u00a0society;\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0love that this gets to be celebrated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            As a woman in a leadership position, it feels at times that you\u00a0have to\u00a0prove your worth,\u00a0perhaps more\u00a0than a man would. But I realised that\u00a0actually\u00a0I\u00a0have more control than I realise, and if I want to break down\u00a0those\u00a0barriers, I can. Being confident and believing in your own abilities\u00a0will go a long way.\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0ever let anyone tell you that\u00a0you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0achieve something\u00a0and take away your power.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            To not be afraid to put themselves forward\u00a0for opportunities. Women have a lot to juggle, especially if caring for young children and taking care of a home, but\u00a0it just means you\u00a0have to\u00a0get organised and lean on your support network. We need more women in leadership roles; we have so\u00a0much to offer, and the only way we can help each other is by taking on these roles to pave the way for other women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                My mum.\u00a0She always\u00a0taught\u00a0my sister and I to\u00a0be fiercely independent\u00a0and never be in a position\u00a0where we\u00a0have to\u00a0rely on anyone\u00a0to survive.\u00a0She quietly supported us through our\u00a0education, and\u00a0I believe my strong work ethic comes from her.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Amila Blentic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                My name is Amila, and I am\u00a0the\u00a0Head of the Finance Department at RFB. I have been with the firm for over 20 years,\u00a0and it has been\u00a0great\u00a0to see how the business has grown and\u00a0to be part of that journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: What made you want to pursue a career in finance?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                I have always\u00a0enjoyed\u00a0maths and working with numbers, so\u00a0finance felt like a natural\u00a0career choice\u00a0for me. My mum was also Head of Finance\u00a0and seeing how much she enjoyed her\u00a0work\u00a0really inspired me to follow a similar path.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in finance?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Believe\u00a0in yourself and\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0be afraid to go for opportunities. Finance\u00a0offers lots of\u00a0different\u00a0career\u00a0paths, and being hardworking and willing to learn will\u00a0really help you progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, from all\u00a0backgrounds\u00a0and\u00a0experiences. It is also a reminder of how important is to support and encourage one another so that more\u00a0women\u00a0feel\u00a0confident\u00a0pursuing their ambitions.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                I think it is important to encourage young women to believe in their abilities and not be afraid to\u00a0aim\u00a0high.\u00a0Determination and confidence can take you a long way and to remember that\u00a0leadership\u00a0roles are achievable.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                My mum had the biggest influence on my career. Watching her succeed as Head of Finance showed me what was possible, and\u00a0while\u00a0the\u00a0career can\u00a0sometimes\u00a0be\u00a0challenging, it is\u00a0also\u00a0very\u00a0rewarding\u00a0and enjoyable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Berivan Erdogan <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Berivan Erdogan, Partner in the property team, 8 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Q: What made you want to\u00a0pursue a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  I was drawn to law because\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0always loved helping people solve problems.\u00a0Even growing up, I\u00a0often found myself being the person friends and family came to when they needed help working through an issue or\u00a0making a decision. I enjoyed being that go-to person and helping find\u00a0a clear way\u00a0forward. A career in law felt like a natural extension of that, allowing me to use those instincts in a professional way and guide clients through complex situations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Q:\u00a0What advice would you give to young women\u00a0who are interested in a career in\u00a0law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Believe in your abilities and\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0be afraid to take up space in the room. Law can be challenging, and at times being a woman in the profession can bring its own challenges too, but those experiences can also make you more resilient. Be curious, ask questions. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and remember that your perspective and voice are valuable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Q:\u00a0Why do you think\u00a0International Women’s Day\u00a0is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      International Women\u2019s Day is important because it recognises both the achievements of women\u00a0and the challenges many of us still navigate every day. Days like this are a reminder that women\u00a0are capable of achieving\u00a0anything and everything they set their minds to, and that\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important to continue supporting and encouraging one another in both our professional and personal lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Q:\u00a0Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        One of the challenges I faced was balancing my career with starting a family. Like many women, I was concerned that taking maternity leave might\u00a0slow down the momentum I had built. There can also be pressures in your personal life, where women\u00a0are often expected to manage many responsibilities at home alongside a demanding career.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        However, that fear didn\u2019t turn out to be the reality. Having the right network of support around me, both personally and professionally, made a huge difference. Being part of a firm that is genuinely supportive and inclusive gave me the confidence and opportunity to continue progressing and step up in my career while also embracing motherhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women\u00a0to\u00a0pursue\u00a0senior leadership roles in their careers?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Encouraging more young women\u00a0to pursue senior leadership roles starts with visibility and support.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0important that young women\u00a0can see female leaders in senior positions, as it helps them believe that those roles are achievable for them too.\u00a0Mentorship, guidance and creating supportive workplace cultures also play a key role in building confidence and ambition.\u00a0When women\u00a0feel supported and valued, they are far more likely to step forward and pursue leadership opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          My mum. She has always been my biggest supporter throughout my career progression. At times when I doubted whether I\u00a0was capable of stepping\u00a0into a leadership role and the challenges I may face with balancing my personal life, she was the one who encouraged me to go for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Her support has also been invaluable practically, particularly with childcare, which has helped me balance the demands of my career and motherhood. Having someone who believes in you unconditionally and stands by you makes a huge difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Kate Farkins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Kate\u00a0Farkins, Partner, 6 years (Feb 2020)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Q: What made you want to\u00a0pursue a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            After studying Law at\u00a0university, I quickly discovered that I am a transactional lawyer as opposed to a contentious lawyer. I enjoy\u00a0playing an important part in the wider transaction\u00a0and working together with clients,\u00a0agents\u00a0and other solicitors to\u00a0achieve\u00a0a common goal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Q:\u00a0What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in\u00a0law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                You can do\u00a0anything\u00a0but you cannot do everything. Property law is\u00a0a very busy\u00a0area of law with large\u00a0caseloads but with\u00a0good time\u00a0management and a strong belief in your abilities\u00a0it can be a highly rewarding career. Do not doubt your own abilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Q:\u00a0Why do you think\u00a0International Women’s Day\u00a0is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Because it highlights the importance of women’s rights every year and brings it back\u00a0to the forefront and keeps important\u00a0conversations\u00a0going.\u00a0There\u00a0is a common\u00a0misconception\u00a0that women are now equal and although we have come\u00a0very\u00a0far\u00a0in recent times,\u00a0we\u00a0still have a\u00a0long\u00a0way to go socially,\u00a0economically\u00a0and\u00a0politically.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to\u00a0pursue\u00a0senior leadership roles in their careers?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                    Cheaper childcare. A barrier I feel a lot of women face in their careers is the \u2018juggle struggle\u2019.\u00a0Being a working mum is rewarding, but logistically it is expensive. Even with government-funded help, childcare is wildly expensive and unfortunately forces a lot of women out of careers\u00a0before they have really begun, which contributes to the disproportionate numbers of women in senior leadership\u00a0positions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Ginnie Maitland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Ginnie, Head of HR and I have been at RFB for\u00a01\u00a0year and 5 months\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    It highlights that not all environments support women in the same way RFB do. It helps us to focus on helping other women, it celebrates what\u00a0women have achieved.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    We need\u00a0to get better at\u00a0putting ourselves forward for roles\u00a0or projects that stretch us,\u00a0become our own advocate. Maybe offer more mentor services to women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Kelly Halsall has had a huge influence on my career. As a manager\u00a0and a friend, Kelly\u00a0is\u00a0straight talking and taught me the value of knowing what I want and asking for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Vanessa Frankson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Vanessa, Office Manager\/Receptionist 25\u00a0+ years\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    A receptionist is the first impression a potential\u00a0new\u00a0client normally gets\u00a0to interact\u00a0with.\u00a0So,\u00a0this role is\u00a0very important\u00a0even if it is a small role in a big pool. Some people\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0see this as a\u00a0vital\u00a0role for the\u00a0firm,\u00a0but it can make or break a\u00a0client going on to\u00a0potentially\u00a0instruct.\u00a0From this\u00a0position there\u00a0are\u00a0also opportunities\u00a0to go on and apply\u00a0for\u00a0internal roles or\u00a0study\u00a0to move\u00a0to other\u00a0areas\u00a0in the firm\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    If there were true equality between the sexes, we\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0need an international woman\u2019s day\u00a0or\u00a0events\u00a0like black history month. But because equality still\u00a0hasn\u2019t\u00a0been achieved these events remain crucial.\u00a0They remind us that woman have the right to be recognised, respected and to be equal.\u00a0Sometimes the\u00a0worst\u00a0offenders are women themselves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Just\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0strong role models.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Deema Chudasama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                      Deema\u00a0Chudasama, Senior Property Associate, RFB- 1 year 3 months\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What made you want to pursue a career in property law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      When I was\u00a0young\u00a0I always wanted to be a solicitor, after my studies I got a job in a city firm in the property department, this gave me a taste of the kind of work\u00a0involved\u00a0and I have stayed in that area ever since.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What advice would you give to young women\u00a0who are interested in a career in property law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Follow your dream, achieve your\u00a0goal\u00a0and go for it!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Its\u00a0important, particularly for me this year as the theme is Give to Gain \u2013 this emphasised the power of reciprocity and support.\u00a0When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for woman increase. Giving is not a subtraction, its intentional multiplication. When woman thrive, we all rise.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Yes, in my younger days, working in male dominated departments, but I persevered and followed my heart, worked\u00a0hard\u00a0and proved myself.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women\u00a0to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Applying a systematic approach\u00a0that\u00a0combines target\u00a0mentorship, structural\u00a0flexibility\u00a0and career development. Offering flexibility in working arrangements, balance care giving and a culture that actively recognises and promotes high potential female employees.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Key traits \u2013 vision, confidence, come out of your comfort zone, achieve high, be courageous, adapt and create. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Lucy Pillinger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Lucy Pillinger, Senior Associate Solicitor. Since 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      I started out in Litigation as my original plan was to be a Barrister after my Law Degree, undertaking mini pupillage and internship at HMCTS.\u00a0
                                      \u00a0
                                      I thoroughly enjoyed instructing Counsel in my\u00a0subsequent\u00a0employment in Litigation rising to Performance Management for a National\u00a0Firm\u00a0but the CPR changed and I diversified into Property work. The change of pace to Property work also coincided with marriage and children at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Join your local\/regional Law Society and try and make as many professional\u00a0connections\u00a0and network, network, network. Remember you are your own branding.\u00a0
                                      \u00a0
                                      Have conversations with people across the Profession as we all learn from each-other. The Law is constantly evolving- we all learn from each-other when we share knowledge and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      It\u2019s important to celebrate our achievements- but remember there are still barriers to overcome in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      I remember when my children were\u00a0very young, I was a single Mum, working full time to pay my mortgage and put a roof over the head of my family. Society\u2019s expectations remained that I\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0persevere my professional aspirations whilst my children were small.\u00a0
                                      \u00a0
                                      Grit,\u00a0determination,\u00a0perseverance, finding the time to study in the smallest moments- and many late nights and early mornings. Wanting to be, and achieve the best for my family personally, and professionally. As\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0been involved in the profession since 2002 there was an expectation I\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0persevere and simply just \u2018settle\u2019 and I chose not to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior Leadership roles in their careers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Recognising and rewarding the diversity of age ranges throughout Firms\/ the profession and what they can all bring to the\u00a0table.\u00a0Mature professionals learn from younger professionals and\u00a0vice\u00a0versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      I met Millicent Grant FILEx and KC (Hon). Our paths crossed a few\u00a0times, and I found her personal and professional legal journey inspiring-and she was also\u00a0really lovely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Brandy Chu\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                        Brandy Chu, Associate Solicitor in the\u00a0property\u00a0department, 1 year!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                          I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of conveyancing and the variety it brings.\u00a0\u00a0While\u00a0each transaction follows a clear structure, no two matters are ever the same, which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding.\u00a0I still remember\u00a0my\u00a0very first completion\u00a0on a property purchase for a first-time buyer. She\u00a0later\u00a0sent me a photo of the keys to her new home, and it really stayed with me. Knowing that I had played a part in such an important\u00a0milestone in\u00a0someone\u2019s life made me realise how meaningful this work can\u00a0be and confirmed that this was the career I wanted to pursue long-term. It also helps that I love looking at beautiful houses!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What advice would you give to young women\u00a0who are interested in a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          As a young woman starting out in any career, there may be moments when\u00a0people question your experience or capabilities.\u00a0Remember\u00a0that you have worked hard to get to where you are\u00a0and\u00a0that\u00a0you deserve to be there. Be confident, trust your knowledge,\u00a0and\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0be afraid to\u00a0show what you are capable of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          The legal profession has historically been a male-dominated industry,\u00a0but women\u00a0now make up more than half of the industry.\u00a0It is important to celebrate the achievements of women\u00a0and recognise the hard work and determination that made them possible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Although it is encouraging and inspiring that more women are stepping into leadership roles, the seniority gap remains. This gap often reflects the additional challenges that women face, such as having to balance demanding careers with family life, which can make progression more difficult.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          With this year\u2019s theme being \u201cGive to Gain\u201d, it is also an opportunity to reflect on what more can be done to continue narrowing this gap.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Without a doubt,\u00a0my mother. She runs small business in the fashion industry back\u00a0home, and\u00a0growing up I\u00a0spent a lot of time quietly\u00a0observing\u00a0her\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0shop. I remember how quick she was with her hands, how thoughtful she was with her words, and how\u00a0tirelessly she worked\u00a0to put my brother and\u00a0me\u00a0through school.\u00a0Despite how busy she was, she never missed a\u00a0single\u00a0school performance.\u00a0Seeing her\u00a0dedication,\u00a0resilience, and ability to balance work and family\u00a0from such\u00a0a young age\u00a0left\u00a0a lasting impression\u00a0on me.\u00a0Although I have chosen a completely different career path, I like to think that I carry many of those qualities with me today\u00a0and much of my work ethic comes from her.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Emily Maskrey <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Emily Maskrey, Associate Solicitor. I joined RFB on 25th<\/sup>\u00a0July 2022.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          I randomly opted to study law at A-Level and almost\u00a0immediately\u00a0realised I wanted to study it at higher education and pursue a career in the legal field.\u00a0During my post-grad. degree, I particularly enjoyed real estate \u2013 the process-driven nature of conveyancing is in keeping with my Type A way of thinking!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          The job can be demanding at times, but it is incredibly rewarding.\u00a0Conveyancing has the benefit of being extremely client-facing, whilst simultaneously requiring a lot of mental gymnastics to\u00a0identify\u00a0and solve title defects. If\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0like a challenging, fast-paced\u00a0job with lots of moving parts to consider, conveyancing could be for you!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Recognising and celebrating the\u00a0societal\u00a0changes that we as women have seen over the last century is\u00a0so important. As someone born in the late 90s, a lot of the barriers women previously faced have already been reduced for people of my generation,\u00a0and\u00a0\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0easy to forget how\u00a0far we have really come as a gender.\u00a0Having said that,\u00a0there\u00a0is still work to be done and\u00a0I’m\u00a0so proud to watch my colleagues and friends continue to challenge social norms and show the world\u00a0what\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0capable of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          It\u2019s\u00a0really important\u00a0that young woman\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to choose between career progression and family expansion. Opportunities to progress, i.e., pursuing partnership and\u00a0promotion,\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0be limited because a woman has\u00a0also\u00a0chosen to have children. I think so many capable young women\u00a0choose not to\u00a0pursue senior leadership roles because there is\u00a0an internalised notion that we\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0juggle both. Law firms should proactively encourage young women by showing them that we\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to choose one or the other!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Whilst she\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0work in law, my mum has been my biggest influence.\u00a0She has\u00a0always been by my side, cheering me on.\u00a0I do not believe\u00a0I’d\u00a0be here today without the support my mum has given me over the years, and\u00a0I\u00a0regard my career success as shared with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Liz Evripidou <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Liz –\u00a0Finance and HR\u00a0Officer. Worked\u00a0at RFB for 8 months\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What made you want to pursue a career in Finance\/HR?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          After being made redundant after 30 years in banking,\u00a0and made to feel that I\u00a0 couldn’t achieve anything\u00a0I was given an\u00a0opportunity\u00a0\u00a0to use\u00a0some of\u00a0the skills\u00a0 I\u00a0had learnt in the legal world, and to\u00a0prove\u00a0to myself, that\u00a0anything is possible\u00a0 with the right mindset.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in Finance\/HR?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Never underestimate yourself,\u00a0every obstacle\u00a0can be overcome,\u00a0and\u00a0every\u00a0 challenge\u00a0is an opportunity\u00a0to\u00a0learn and grow.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Shows progress women have made in rolls that would never have been an\u00a0 option, and a chance to support\u00a0women’s\u00a0rights\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Many\u00a0times\u00a0when managing a branch, as most customers wanted to deal with\u00a0 male managers. \u00a0A lot\u00a0of hard work,\u00a0dedication,\u00a0loyalty\u00a0and respect\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          My mum who\u00a0came to the UK unable to speak English, without a\u00a0job, and\u00a0very little\u00a0money. Had to fend for herself, learn to communicate and mix into a culture that was\u00a0unknown to her.\u00a0She showed me that\u00a0hard work\u00a0honesty, love and determination\u00a0is all you need to succeed.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":8857,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8853","insight","type-insight","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nInternational Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/perspectives\/international-womens-day-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"International Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/perspectives\/international-womens-day-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RFB Legal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RFBLegal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-09T15:26:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2120\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1108\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/\",\"name\":\"International Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-09T15:23:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-09T15:26:41+00:00\",\"description\":\"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png\",\"width\":2120,\"height\":1108},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Insights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"International Women’s Day 2026\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"RFB Legal\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"RFB Legal\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/header_company_logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/header_company_logo.svg\",\"caption\":\"RFB Legal\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RFBLegal\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/uas\/login?session_redirect=company2012282\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rfb_legal\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"International Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal","description":"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/perspectives\/international-womens-day-2026\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"International Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal","og_description":"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of","og_url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/perspectives\/international-womens-day-2026\/","og_site_name":"RFB Legal","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RFBLegal\/","article_modified_time":"2026-03-09T15:26:41+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2120,"height":1108,"url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"19 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/","url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/","name":"International Women's Day 2026 - RFB Legal","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png","datePublished":"2026-03-09T15:23:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-09T15:26:41+00:00","description":"Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women\u2019s Day 2026. This year, the theme is \u2018Give to Gain\u2019, which emphasises the power of","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IWD-2026-2-scaled.png","width":2120,"height":1108},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/international-womens-day-2026\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Insights","item":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/insights\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"International Women’s Day 2026"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/","name":"Appel d'offres juridique","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#organization","name":"Appel d'offres juridique","url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/header_company_logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/header_company_logo.svg","caption":"RFB Legal"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RFBLegal\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/uas\/login?session_redirect=company2012282","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rfb_legal\/"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/8853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/insight"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/8853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8860,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/8853\/revisions\/8860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}