Over 80% Women Lawyers Say Legal Profession Is Harder for Them: SCBA Survey Reveals Deep Inequality

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) survey titled “Documenting Voices of Women Legal Professionals in India” has brought forward serious concerns about gender inequality in the legal profession. Released by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in Bengaluru, the findings reflect persistent challenges faced by women lawyers across the country.

The survey, based on responses from 2,604 women legal professionals, reveals that 81.3% believe their professional journey has been more difficult than that of their male counterparts. Notably, 41.1% described it as “much harder”, indicating deep-rooted structural issues within the profession.

A significant number of respondents, around 63.7%, admitted that they felt discouraged at some point in their careers. Despite this, nearly half of the participants, 50.9%, reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their professional progress, showing a complex mix of struggle and resilience.

The issue of workplace safety also emerged strongly. Around 16.1% of respondents disclosed experiences of sexual harassment, while 12.7% chose not to respond. Among those who reported harassment, 57% faced backlash, including exclusion from work and subtle forms of retaliation.

Networking barriers continue to be a major concern, with 72.3% stating that gender affected their ability to build professional connections. Additionally, 53.9% believed that senior designation is easier for men, highlighting unequal opportunities in career advancement.

The survey also sheds light on the lack of institutional support. A large majority reported inadequate access to basic professional resources. About 75% lacked paid legal databases, 77% had no clerical staff, and 56% faced issues with stable internet or devices. These limitations directly impact efficiency and growth.

Financial and infrastructural challenges remain prominent, especially in the early years of practice. High rent, financial instability, and limited opportunities were cited as key barriers. Many respondents also pointed to the absence of mentorship, with 37.7% reporting unmet guidance needs.

Family responsibilities were found to significantly affect careers. Around 71.5% stated that marital status influenced their professional journey. Issues such as childcare support, work-life balance, and lack of flexibility continue to place additional burdens on women lawyers.

The data also highlights low representation in leadership and government roles. A majority of respondents had never held positions such as law officers, and none had served at the highest levels like Attorney General or Solicitor General. Many felt that opportunities in Bar leadership remain unequal.

Interestingly, a large number of women lawyers are considering a shift towards the judiciary. Around 76.4% expressed interest in judicial careers, often citing better stability and structured growth compared to the Bar.

The report identifies key areas for reform, including equal access to opportunities, structured mentorship, financial support in early practice, maternity protection, and better workplace safety measures. It also emphasises the need for stronger representation of women in leadership and judicial positions.

Overall, the survey highlights that while women’s participation in the legal profession has increased over time, systemic barriers continue to shape their professional journeys. The findings call for focused institutional reforms to ensure a more inclusive and equitable legal system.