AWLA reflected on the progress of women in law and the difficulties faced. A documentary on Ethel Benjamin was featured, along with Benjamin’s historic defence of advertising. Read more
Pre 1984
The idea of forming a women lawyers group developed out of the environment created by the Women and the Law Legal Research Foundation which was established in 1977. The Foundation ran successfully for a number of years as a lobbying and pressure group. The June 1985 AWLA newsletter recorded: “In 1977 there was a great …
1986
1985
By 1985, AWLA grew to 160 members and were addressing issues such as sexual harassment, new birth technologies, providing legal assistance in objections to the Springbok Tour, and insurance exclusions, while supporting women’s advancement in the legal profession. Read more
1989
A second Working Party reviewed the ADLS’s 1981 report on women in law, highlighting ongoing issues such as childcare and pay disparities. AWLA criticised the slow progress and called for urgent reform to address concerns on the front page of the NZ Herald. Read more
Profile: Shayne Mathieson
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2015
AWLA launched AUT’s report on barriers to women’s career progression in law firms, emphasising structural issues, family responsibilities, and the need for flexible work practices. Read more
2018
AWLA advocated for #metoo and #timesup, supported Pay Equity Coalition Auckland’s submissions on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill, and hosted events on sexual harassment and work-life balance. Read more