030316 KU Women in law (Part A): Women in legal Professions - Contemporary lssues (2022W)

In 2020, we celebrated the First Centennial that women have been
admitted to study and practice law in many „Western" countries. They play a vital role in all legal professions but are still
underrepresented in most of them.

The course "Women in Law - Contemporary Issues" analyzes the current situation of women in legal professions and raises awareness in female students and male allies for challenges and obstacles women face in their legal careers.

It focuses on 4 areas, which will be discussed in an interdisciplinary setting:

1. Women’s rights are human rights
The importance of international treaties for the protection and global advancement of women with a special focus on the Istanbul Convention and CEDAW.

Why are CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention relevant for women* in law? We will discuss the status of implementation and legislative proposals, their current and future impact on women* (in law), and strategies for sustainable and effective enforcement on a global level.

2. New work
digitization, automation, AI, work-life-blending, collaboration, remote work, agility – Quo vadis, (women* in the) legal professions?

How will we shape the future of work in the legal professions? Which role will women* play in the implementation of new work? How can companies in the legal world become more, open-minded, agile, efficient, and innovative? How can women* in law combine professional development with personal growth?

3. Microaggressions and micro discriminations
Eliminating microaggressions as a way to achieve gender equality in the legal professions.

Microaggressions are oftentimes unintentional, subtle, casual, everyday behaviors and interactions that communicate bias and send denigrating messages to members of a marginalized group (e.g., people of color, women*, LGBTQI+). They are hurtful and notoriously difficult to confront because the sender of the message often does not intend to harm and is unaware of the psychological toll these seemingly small offenses take. We will discuss the detrimental effects such as the lowering of work productivity and problem-solving abilities of microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations in the workplace and help raise self-awareness through information and practical guidance.

4. Remaining at the top
They have shattered glass ceilings, overcome bias, put in more work and hours than everyone else to reach their goals. Now, how do these women at the top defend and hold their well-earned positions?

While there are still too few women in leadership positions, those who have finally shattered glass ceilings and reached the top are faced with the daunting challenge of remaining there. How do you become an agent of change and support other women*? How do you not get caught in the “double bind”? How do you cope with over-burdening? How do you find and unapologetically embrace your personal leadership style? Successful women* in executive positions discuss their personal development and share their insights on becoming and staying successful.