When law firm Stephenson Harwood makes a trip to the Norwegian capital, they make the most of it.
This time the legal outfit’s shipping team from London opted to invite women from the industry to an evening networking event — in an Oslo distillery.
As a senior woman, I believe we have a responsibility to smooth the path for those that follow us
Carl from Sweden described the beauty and botanicals in the house’s gin, vodka and the rightly feared Norwegian national spirit aquavit to the 40-plus female attendees from the shipowning, legal and insurance worlds. Also attending, in what he described as a “cameo role” as the lone male attendee, was Stephenson Harwood partner and head of marine and international trade Mike Phillips.
Guests then got to sample both the neat spirits and some creative cocktails before retiring upstairs for canapes and more chat.
But the evening had some serious and heartfelt messages too.
Progression programme
Stephenson Harwood senior associate Teah Sloan told invitees that she had benefited from the company’s female career progression programme, which helps women lawyers to overcome existing and perceived gender specific challenges in the law.
Sloan said women in shipping are working in an industry that even today somewhat lags behind the trend in terms of female career progression.
“Our firm hopes to be part of a wider change across industry where talent is recognised, irrespective of gender, fostered and rewarded,” she said. “After all, we are 50% of the future of this industry.”
Torvald Klaveness attorney at law Karin Gjersoe shared her first experience at protection and indemnity school in 2001, where she was the youngest and only woman in the room. “Sometimes I felt I had sneaked in to a rotary club meeting,” she said.
Changing times
Gjersoe said the situation has changed. But what I don’t see is women in commercial positions, she said, adding that she can count on one hand the female ship operators or members of the chartering team at her own company. “That’s the challenge,” she added.
Former diversity champion for Stephenson Harwood and partner on commercial litigation, Sue Millar, who helped set up the company’s female career progression programme said: “As a senior woman, I believe we have a responsibility to smooth the path for those that follow us.
“Having a diverse workforce with colleagues who have a range of skills helps us to do business better and it is actually more fun,” she told the crowd.
“In all areas that we work in, at least 50% of the population are women. It stands to reason that 50% of the senior leadership positions in our profession should also be women,” she added, raising a toast to “the exceptional women of this generation and all that follow us”.
