81% Women lawyers say Career Path tougher than Men: SCBA Survey exposes Structural Barriers

The legal profession may be opening its doors to more women, but the path inside remains uneven. A nationwide survey by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has revealed that a staggering majority of women lawyers continue to navigate a far tougher professional journey than their male peers, bringing into sharp focus the silent barriers, everyday struggles, and systemic gaps that still define their careers across courtrooms in India.

Drawing responses from over 2,600 women legal professionals across 23 State Bar Councils, the survey captures a profession marked by unequal access to opportunities, weak institutional support, and persistent gender bias. A significant number of respondents reported facing discouragement at some stage, with limited networking avenues, financial instability in early practice, and lack of mentorship emerging as recurring concerns. The data further reveals that women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and government positions, while many struggle with inadequate infrastructure, the absence of basic professional resources, and the burden of balancing domestic responsibilities alongside legal practice.

The report emphasised that gender continues to influence both access and advancement within the profession. Notably, a considerable proportion of respondents indicated that professional growth, whether in securing senior designations or government panel roles, remains skewed in favour of men. Addressing workplace safety, the findings disclose instances of harassment and subsequent backlash, including exclusion from work opportunities. The survey also records high levels of burnout, with a majority of women lawyers experiencing work-related stress.

Emphasising the need for reform, the report identifies key priorities such as equitable representation, structured mentorship, financial support mechanisms, and stronger institutional safeguards. As the report notes, “the profession continues to reflect persistent structural barriers despite increasing participation of women,” ultimately calling for systemic intervention.

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