On a crisp morning in March 2025, my 16-year-old daughter and I stepped into a room buzzing with possibility. The Legally Empowered: Girls Leading Change event, hosted by the Girls Human Rights Hub and Fieldfisher LLP, wasn’t just a celebration of International Women’s Day—it was a spark, a promise, a gathering of nearly 100 young women from across the UK, all poised to change the world.

From the balcony, I looked out over the sea of eager faces, and for a moment, it felt like the future was right there, glowing with potential. Little did I know, the day would unfold like a symphony of inspiration, each note more stirring than the last.



The event kicked off with words that felt like a warm embrace. Sultana Tadafar KC (King’s Counsel), Executive Director at GHRH, and Justina Omotayo, Head of Inclusion at Fieldfisher, took the stage. Their opening remarks on Law, Leadership, and Girls’ Voices weren’t just speeches—they were invitations. Invitations to dream, to lead, to speak up. As they spoke, I felt something shift in the room—and in me. The girl I once was, full of questions and quiet hopes, leaned forward, listening intently.



Image credit: Justina Omotayo




Speed Networking Session with the Women of Fieldfisher


Then came the speed networking session, and oh, what a whirlwind it was! Eight extraordinary women—solicitors, each a force of nature in her own right—shared their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. They were like navigators, charting a course through the often-murky waters of the legal profession. Their expertise spanned the spectrum: corporate law, medical ethics, fraud, real estate, technology and data, regulatory, derivatives, and more. They spoke of breaking barriers, of carving out space in a world that doesn’t always make room for women. And they did it with such grace, such candor, that it felt like they were handing us a map—a map to a future we could shape for ourselves.


Image credit: Trish Mutemajiri & Soma Onwuachu



The questions from the students were as sharp as they were heartfelt: 

  • If you could do it all over again, what would you change? 

  • How do you build commercial awareness when you’re just starting out? 

  • How do you land work experience in a field that feels so closed off?

  • Do I have to study law, or can I take a different path? 

  • How do you balance the demands of a high-powered career with the rest of your life? 


Each question was a thread, weaving a tapestry of shared hopes and fears. And the answers? They weren’t just advice—they were lifelines. The solicitors spoke of resilience, of curiosity, of the importance of finding your own rhythm in a world that often tries to dictate the beat. They reminded us that the path to success isn’t a straight line; it’s a mosaic, pieced together from moments of courage, curiosity, and sometimes, sheer stubbornness.


9 Tips from the Networking Session

Picture yourself at the edge of a huge, unexplored jungle. The path ahead is winding, dotted with shadows and light, and you’re not entirely sure where it leads. That’s what stepping into the legal profession can feel like—daunting, exhilarating, and full of unknowns.

Every trailblazer who came before you once stood where you are now, wondering how to take the first step. And they’ve left behind clues, like breadcrumbs, to guide you.  Let me share what I’ve learned from those who’ve walked this path—lessons that feel like a warm hand on your shoulder, urging you forward. 

  1. Law in books vs. law in life: Studying law is like reading a map; practicing it is like hiking the terrain. They’re connected, but they’re not the same. Keep an open mind. Your interests and passions might surprise you—let them guide you. 

  2. LinkedIn is your launchpad: Yes, even in Sixth Form. Think of LinkedIn as your digital handshake, your way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m ready.” Start building your network now. Visibility is power. 

  3. There’s no one “right” path: Some of these remarkable women studied Law, others History, Politics, Criminology, or Sociology. One talked of a colleague who came from a biomedical background. Their journeys were as diverse as their interests. And if you’re not sure where to start? There’s always the conversion course—a bridge to your future. 

  4. Volunteering is your secret weapon: Roll up your sleeves and dive into pro bono work or charity volunteering. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about building experience, connections, and a story that sets you apart. 

  5. Work-life balance? It’s a dance: Balancing a demanding career with personal life is like juggling fireflies—it requires finesse, flexibility, and sometimes, just letting a few things glow in the dark. There will be long hours, but there will also be moments of triumph that make it all worth it. 

  6. You don’t need a medical degree to care about medical ethics: Even in fields like medical negligence, your passion and curiosity matter more than your degree. One solicitor shared how knowledge of biomedical sciences helped, but it wasn’t ultimately the key—as interest and determination was. 

  7. Trainee rotations: your legal playground: Imagine spending two years exploring different corners of the legal world—corporate law, real estate, medical ethics, and more. That’s what Fieldfisher’s trainee program offers. It’s like a tasting menu for your career, helping you discover what truly lights you up. 

  8. Work experience hacks include:

    • Shadow a barrister: Approach high-street firms with a tailored and very well researched request. Say, “I’ve seen your work on this case, and I’d love to shadow you for two days.” It’s short, respectful, and effective. 

    • Spam LinkedIn (yes, really!): One solicitor spoke of someone who sent 100 speculative messages to legal HR professionals. Ten to twenty responded. It’s a numbers game, and persistence pays off. 

    • Visit your local court: Sit in on proceedings. Watch, listen, and absorb. It’s like a backstage pass to the legal world. 

  9. Your path matters—every step of it: One solicitor shared how her A-level results didn’t go as planned—predicted 3 As, she ended up with 1 A and 2 Cs. It made her journey harder, but not impossible. She emphasized the importance of choosing a great university—it’s like planting your flag on solid ground. 


Your journey won’t be a straight line. It will twist, turn, and sometimes feel like it’s leading you in circles. But every step—every stumble—is part of your story. And here’s the thing: you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of women (and men) who’ve walked this path before you, ready to cheer you on. 

So, take a deep breath. Trust yourself. And remember: the forest might be vast, but it’s also full of light. Keep going. Your future is waiting.


Girls’ Rights Need Allies: A Day of Inspiration, Empowerment, and Change 

Imagine a room buzzing with energy, where the air feels electric with possibility. That’s exactly what it was like when Kieran Ekeledo—The Boxing Life Coach—took the stage. With the charisma of a storyteller and the grit of a fighter, he shared his 12 Boxing Principles for Success: Faith, Vision, Discipline, Humility, Resilience, Teamwork, Focus, Hard Work & Dedication, Respect, Confidence, Will to Win, and Legacy. Each principle felt like a punch, not to knock you down, but to lift you up. 

Then came his GOALS acronym, delivered through slam poetry that hit like a drumbeat: Gratitude, Outcomes, Aims, Leverage, Scores. But it was the chorus that stayed with me, echoing in my mind long after the event: “Women by Design. Author by Decision.” Those words felt like a mirror, reflecting my own journey as a blogger and the growing confidence in my voice. 

Kieran’s words were a rallying cry: “Every time you comment, you know I’ve won. They’ll be waiting for the sequel. Put in a book, narrating our legacy.” And just when I thought he couldn’t get more inspiring, he shared a poem he’d composed while on his way from a dentist’s chair at Guy’s Hospital. If he could create magic under local anesthesia, I thought, what could he—or any of us—do at full strength? 


The Girls Human Rights Challenge: A Glimpse into the Future 


Next up was the Girls Human Rights Challenge, where three teams of 16-year-olds presented solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. Let me tell you—these girls weren’t just participants; they were visionaries. 

1st Place: Abolishing Child Marriage in Africa

The winning presentation was nothing short of extraordinary. The young speaker had a 10-year plan rooted in sustainable development goals, laws, and grassroots implementation. She tackled the complexities of culture, religion, and community with a maturity that left me in awe. Her research was meticulous—she’d even read international and local bylaws to prepare. When the judges asked her questions, her answers were thoughtful, nuanced, and brimming with hope. She didn’t just win a prize; she won our hearts. Her reward? A two-day mini tutelage with judges from a chamber, a Fieldfisher Insight Day, and afternoon tea vouchers for herself and two friends. 

Image credit: Justina Omotayo & Trish Mutemajiri



2nd & 3rd Places: Women’s Access to Education and Women’s Safety 

These teams didn’t just present ideas—they presented solutions. One team proposed adding girls’ safety issues to school curriculums and creating helplines for reporting harassment. When asked how they’d lobby for change, they confidently named local councils, school heads, and assemblies as their starting points. Their passion was contagious, and their ideas were actionable. They walked away with group mentoring sessions and afternoon tea vouchers—a sweet reward for their hard work. 

The judges left us with final words that lingered like a warm embrace: 

  • “When you witness microaggressions, recognize your power as a bystander—if it’s safe to do so.”
     
  • “Today is about finding your voice and using it to create change.” 


A Feast for the Soul (and the Stomach) 

After the presentations, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch spread. (I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to take a picture—next time, I promise!) Then, my daughter and I were invited by the Inclusion team to share our testimonial on video. It was a privilege to reflect on the day’s lessons and articulate how deeply they’d moved us. If I get my hands on that video, I’ll be sure to share it with you. 

Image credit: Soma Onwuachu



GHRH Panel Discussion: Advocating for a Brighter Future 


The panel discussion was a masterclass in hope and action. Featuring young leaders like Sabyia Ahmed, Safiya Tadafar (a 12-year-old co-founder of GHRH), Sandra Carvalho, and Abigail Grixti, the conversation was a tapestry of insights: 

  • “Law is a tool to help people and access justice.” 

  • “We need to amplify girls’ voices—let’s make February Girls’ Human Rights Month globally.”

  • “The pandemic exposed digital exclusion. We must ensure every girl has access to education.”

  • “Mentoring is transformative. Programs like Zero Gravity and Generation Success are lifelines.”

  • “GHRH’s Young Expert Programme mentoring empowered them to create a self-care toolkit for youth and speak on festival panels, proving that with support, young voices can drive real change.”

One question stood out: “How can I use my A-Level languages in the legal profession?” The answer was a revelation: “Leverage your unique selling point.” One panellist shared how her Portuguese language skills opened doors to becoming a paralegal. It was a reminder that our differences are our superpowers. 

The panel also highlighted the importance of starting small: setting up mini hubs in schools, where teachers guide and girls lead. All it takes is commitment and passion. 

Image credit: Trish Mutemajiri



Sultana’s Mini Advocacy Session: Finding Your Voice 

Sultana Tafadar KC closed the day with a powerful advocacy session. She showed us how GHRH’s work builds confidence, develops leadership skills, and empowers girls to advocate for change. Her final gift? Offering all attendees access to GHRH’s self-paced leadership program by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). As she spoke, I found myself wishing I could be 16 again—ready to take on the world with this kind of guidance. 

Image credit: Justina Omotayo



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This event was an event the 16-year-old me needed years ago and I wish and pray that more 16-year-olds will have this incredible opportunity given to them to find their voice, develop their agency, claim their power, shape their destiny and blaze their own paths.

This event already made my 2025 Gratitude Journal. It was an EPIC day for me and mine. I hope it makes yours for reading it.

So how can you accelerate action this year? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for being a VCC reader.