Risk-navigating women we admire

We believe that nobody handles risk like we do. To mark International Women's Day, we are celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who exemplify successful risk navigation.

We asked six of our senior female leaders to share stories of women they admire – women who have faced and surmounted significant challenges and risks in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, and the arts.

These inspiring stories not only celebrate the courage and resilience of these women but also reinforce our commitment to supporting our clients as they navigate risks in today’s complex world.

Louise Arbour

Distinguished Canadian attorney, prosecutor and judge (1947-).

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Louise Arbour holds had held several significant positions, including United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. 

Her career is distinguished by her dedication to justice and human rights, making substantial contributions to international law and advocacy at a time when there where few moments in the law. She graduated with distinction from the Universite de Montreal with an LL.B. in 1970, was called to the Bar of Quebec in 1971, and the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1977. In 1990, she became the first Francophone to be appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. 

In 1996, she became the Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, where she made history by indicting Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milosevic and securing the first prosecution of sexual assault as a crime against humanity. Her tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights [2004-2008] was marked by her strong commitment to addressing global human rights violations. 

From 2009 to 2014, she served as the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group and in 2007 was appointed to the Order of Canada. 

“Louise Arbour reflects the significant impact that one person can have by leading with courage and integrity, in the pursuit of fairness, justice and the protection of human rights. She is an important changemaker and her courage is inspiring to so many lawyers wanting to make a difference.”

Carolena Gordon, Senior Partner

Ada Evans

First woman in Australia admitted to practice law (1872-1947).

Born in England, Ada Evans moved to Sydney, Australia in 1883, graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895. Throughout her career, Ada demonstrated extraordinary vision, resilience, and determination. 

She enrolled at Sydney Law School in 1899 despite resistance and significant challenges, graduating with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1902 as the first woman in Australia to do so.

Although she faced rejection from the New South Wales Bar due to her gender, she campaigned for legal reforms that eventually allowed women to practice law in other Australian states.

In 1998, barrister Michael Maxwell opened a new barristers' chamber in Sydney named after Ada which continues today with a membership of 30 barristers.

“Her journey was marked by the risk of public scrutiny, professional rejection, and personal sacrifice, yet she persevered, and her legacy reminds us that meaningful change requires relentless effort, strong values, and a clear sense of purpose.”

Rebecca Kelly, Managing Partner - Australia

Elisabeth Selbert

German politician, lawyer and one of four women who worked on the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (1896-1986)

Born in Kassel, Germany, Elisabeth Selbert faced limited educational opportunities and worked for the Reich Post (German postal service) during World War One. 

Her political career began in 1918 when she met Adam Selbert, a scholar and political activist. Encouraged by him, she joined the German Social Democrats, ran for parliament in 1919, and attended the first National Women's Conference in 1920. Her efforts for gender equality faced resistance but she organised robust campaigns to build political pressure. 

Her most notable achievement was ensuring explicit equality between men and women as a fundamental right in the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, meaning many marriage regulations from German Civil Law in 1990 having to be changed. 

“Her legacy as a persistent pioneer of equality is a testament to her unwavering dedication to gender equality and her ability to navigate risks and challenges.”

Eva-Maria Barbosa, Chair - Global Corporate & Advisory practice

Artemisia Gentileschi 

Italian Baroque painter and one of the most prominent female artists of the period (1593-1656)
 
Artemisia Gentileschi began working professionally at 15, and quickly gained recognition for her naturalistic paintings, influenced by her father Orazio and Italian painter Caravaggio. Despite being overshadowed by many of her male contemporaries, she went on to be recognised for her retelling of biblical stories and myths from a female perspective. 

Aged 17, she was raped by Agostino Tassi, a collaborator of her father's. Orazio pressed charges against Tassi but for violating the family's honour, and not for the sexual attack. Artemisia was tortured during the trial to verify her testimony. 

Her father arranged her marriage and she moved to Florence where she became the first woman to be accepted into the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts. There, her career flourished under the patronage of the House of Medici. She worked in Rome, Venice, Naples and London for highest echelons of European society. 

“As a 17th century woman, she was not expected to have her own independent, successful life as an artist not to challenge being attacked. She took risks throughout her life to achieve what she wanted, making a statement through her art of the strength of women.”

Paula Jefferson, Chair - UK Casualty Strategy Board

Umm Kulthum

Egyptian singer, songwriter and film actress [1898-1975]. 

Born in Tamay Ez-Zahayra, Umm Kulthum grew up in rural Egypt and overcame conservative customs, supported by a father who nurtured her talents and had her initially perform dressed as a boy so as to deflect attention and criticism.

She began her career in the 1920s and quickly rose to fame for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Her music, characterised by its deep emotional resonance and mastery of classical Arabic styles, captivated audiences across the Arab world. Her influence extended beyond music; she became a symbol of cultural pride and national identity in Egypt.

During her career she supported and promoted other female artists and maintained her own independence, touring and living alone refusing to compromise her artistic integrity and way of life. Her hallmark was her white handkerchief, black sunglasses and pearl earrings which she was never seen without.

She sang the inaugural broadcast for Radio Cairo in 1934. Even today at 10pm on the first Thursday of each month, Egyptian radio stations broadcast her music in her memory and during her lifetime, politicians would avoid broadcasting their speeches when they knew she was performing.

"She embodies strength and integrity and was a patriot and a humanitarian who donated millions to social causes and worked tirelessly to help people."

Sara Khoja, Chair – Middle East & Africa [MEA] Board

Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

Second female justice of the US Supreme Court and champion for women's rights and gender equality (1933-2020) 

Known as a legal pioneer and distinguished Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg began her storied journey with academic execellence, graduating from Columbia Law School, despite facing gender discrimination. She dedicated her early career to advocating for gender equality, co-founding the American Civil Liberty Union's (ACLU) Women's Rights Project.

She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993, where she became a powerful voice for liberal ideals. Her landmark opinions and forceful dissents, notably in cases concerning gender discrimination, solidified her legacy. 

Serving as the second female in justice of the US Supreme Court and known as The Great Dissenter, she earned the respect of many who crossed her path during the nearly three decades on the highest court in the nation. 

She became a cultural icon, “RBG”, inspiring generations with her unwavering commitment to justice. 

While her passing in 2020 marked the end of an era, her life's work carries on today.

“I admire her fierce intelligence and her steadfast passion to protect the rights of all Americans; never afraid to share her point of view, articulating her decisions with a strong voice as champion of gender equality.”

Eileen King Bower, Chair - North American Board

International Women’s Day also serves as a reminder of the progress we’re making as a firm. As part of Clyde & Co’s wider diversity, equity & inclusion strategy, we’re implementing local, rather than firm-wide, gender parity goals to help us improve accountability and enable us to address the unique DEI challenges in each of our markets across the globe. Read more about our progress.