Accelerating action: supporting women on the path to leadership
Written By
Partner
Germany
I am a technology, copyright and data protection lawyer with a focus on technology transactions, data-driven projects and especially collaborative software development.
Partner
Poland
As a partner and Head of our Employment team in Warsaw, I am an experienced employment law expert specialised in litigation, including civil and criminal cases involving corruption and trade secrets.
Partner
Singapore
I am a partner in the Tech & Comms team, based in Singapore and Sydney. I advise a broad spectrum of clients across APAC on all aspects of technology, media and telecoms law.
Achieving gender balance in senior positions requires more than good intentions – it takes action. That’s why in 2016 we introduced our award-winning Global Women's Development Programme (GWDP), a bespoke initiative designed to support and retain high-performing women on the path to partnership.
Running annually, the programme aims to help women mid-level and senior associates articulate their ambitions and achieve their potential. It also promotes an inclusive culture and helps to identify any gender-specific barriers within our firm.
The impact of the programme has been recognised by previous participants, who have gone on to achieve great things in their careers at Bird & Bird – they share their experiences here:
Miriam Ballhausen (GWDP delegate in 2018; promoted to Partner in 2019): The Global Women’s Development Programme provided me with invaluable skills and insights that have been instrumental in my professional growth. The programme's emphasis on leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication has equipped me with the tools needed to progress. Moreover, the network of talented and supportive colleagues I met has been an ongoing source of inspiration and collaboration. I strongly believe that the GWDP is a great opportunity for any aspiring female lawyer looking to make a significant impact in her career.
Karolina Stawicka (GWDP delegate in 2019; promoted to Partner in 2021): I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the GWDP cohort in 2019, especially being able to share ideas and experience with colleagues from different offices. It’s wonderful to see how many of us have gotten ahead since then, becoming counsel or partners – and that’s certainly partly due to the programme, which builds confidence and provides practical tools. Now that I’m a partner, it’s an even greater pleasure to be a GWDP sponsor and a mentor for new participants. We Bird & Bird women are committed to helping each other grow.
Loren Leung (GWDP delegate in 2022; promoted to Partner in 2023): It was a privilege to be a part of the GWDP with an amazing group of women. For me, the best part of the programme was the opportunity to share our experiences, goals, challenges and fears. Together we explored career development, personal growth, and the importance of building a network. Programmes like this are invaluable in fostering support and enabling women to develop and lead with confidence and empower others to do the same.
This International Women’s Day, we recognise that progress doesn’t happen on its own—it takes urgency, momentum, and a commitment to accelerate action towards true gender equality.
To find out more about the programme and our commitment to achieving gender equality, visit our website here.
