The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in South Africa’s legal industry is a complicated problem with many facets and contributing causes. While there is no single cause, several key factors are often cited as playing a role in perpetuating this gender disparity such as implicit bias and stereotypes, workplace culture and discrimination, work-life balance, lack of mentorship, and the gender pay gap.

The aim of this study was to delineate the barriers and challenges that affect women of color in the legal profession and to determine why the advancement of women of color to higher positions is slow and not prevalent.

The survey results show that organizations that truly want to support and encourage women’s growth and leadership should reevaluate their policies and update support systems to ensure that mothers are not disproportionately burdened or hindered in their professional growth. Implementing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help mothers manage their work and family responsibilities more effectively, potentially reducing the real disadvantages.

Read the full report here