THE University of Reading’s School of Law has launched a series of events to mark 100 years of women in the law profession.

The school welcomed Naheed Taj, who is the managing partner of Sotwe Family Law Reading.

Ms Taj gave an inspiring talk to reflect on her professional carer so far.

Dr Thérèse Callus, Associate professor, said: “Like Naheed, many women bear testament to the hard work and commitment needed to ensure equal access and recognition in many professional avenues.

“Here at the School of Law we have a number of inspiring and inspirational women, across all levels: undergraduate, postgraduate, current and previous staff."

This year marks 100 years since the introduction of the Sex Disqualification Act 1919, which enabled women to enter the legal profession for the first time.

Dr Thérèse Callus, added: “Today’s women staff and students are thankfully not in an invisible minority and in fact just over 50% of our undergraduate cohort are women.

“Whilst there has been much progress, challenges still remain. It is still the case that after the birth of her first child, a woman is both financially and promotionally worse off for many years thereafter. But, Naheed pointed out that as a mother of two children, children can be a source of strength too.”

Former head of school, Professor Patricia Leopold was one of only two female members of staff within the school when she joined the university as a lecturer in 1974.

She said: “When I entered Queen's University Belfast in 1969 to read law it was against the advice of my headmistress who believed that being a lawyer was not a suitable occupation for a woman.

“The changes over 50 years in the way in which woman now feature in the legal profession may still not be enough, but it is significant compared to the position when I started my career.”