Celebrating International Women’s Day
A speech delivered by the Treasurer, Helen Davies KC, at a special breakfast gathering for female Benchers and committee members, held on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
I would just like to welcome you all this morning, to this ‘Breakfast’ to mark International Women’s Day – the first time, as I understand it, that such an event has been held in the Inn. It provides an opportunity for me to thank you all for everything you do for the Inn.
As you all know, Inner Temple has for many years been an Inn which has truly celebrated the very many achievements of its female members.
That starts with the first woman to be called to the Bar, Ivy Williams, who was a member of this Inn.
There are so many other female ‘Firsts’ at this Inn that I could spend quite some time listing them – but of course they include Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, the first female member of the Court of Appeal and the first female Treasurer of this Inn. She has always been a great supporter of young women at the Bar, and I am delighted that she has joined us this morning. Elizabeth in fact interviewed me for silk so I personally owe her a big ‘thank you’ for having confidence in me back in 2008 – undoubtedly part of the journey that led to me standing here before you today!
And now the ‘Firsts’ of course include the first Lady Chief Justice whose portrait adorns the Hall.
And this year is the year of notable female ‘Firsts’ for any Inn. For the first time ever, all three Principal Officers here are female – Treasurer, Reader, Reader Elect. No other Inn has managed two in a row – let alone three!!
Whenever I have been asked previously, I have always said that the moment I stop being asked about being a female at the Commercial Bar will be the moment that I know full equality has been achieved. Unfortunately, we are still not there yet. In addition to the issues highlighted in the Harman report of the independent review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, there are also the issues of earnings disparity across the Bar highlighted by the Bar Council. But whereas previously it felt in someways as if we were on a steep hike uphill, now it seems as if we are finally into something more approaching a full sprint. The very fact that there are now so many more women in senior and leadership positions is, I believe, making a real difference. And the support that we can all provide to each other is also an important part of that. So, I hope that you will enjoy your conversations and sharing mutual experiences this morning.
Thank you.
Helen Davies KC
Treasurer 2026