In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, our counsel and lead for Pallas’s Women’s Employee Resource Group Alessia de Quincey shares her thoughts and reflections on what IWD means to her.
“IWD is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the achievements and contributions of women in all walks of life across the world. It offers a moment to reflect on how far we have come, through strength and courage from both women and men, to tackle and break down gender barriers, ensuring gender equality, opportunities and recognition are based on merit. It is a reminder of how extraordinary and resilient women can be, especially when I think of my mother, who raised me as a single parent.
As a lawyer working in the legal industry, IWD is also a reminder not to take for granted where I am and how I got here, recognising that it hasn’t always been, and may not always be now, an easy path for many. I am grateful to find myself at Pallas surrounded by so many inspiring role models across both the fee earning and administrative teams.
As the Lead for the Pallas Women’s Employee Resource Group at this majority female firm, I have had the privilege to raise awareness of many issues which impact women, both personally and in the workplace, so far covering sessions on topics ranging from menopause to parenthood and child birth, including post-partum psychosis. A key part of our initiative is ensuring a supportive environment and welcoming and encouraging our male colleagues to join us so that they can be part of the conversation and exposed to some of the challenges that women can face.
Ultimately, IWD remains a reminder that we still have far to go to be free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, and gender equality is only one part of that. Let’s keep the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion conversation going throughout the year.”