Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kolhi on Tuesday said that promoting women to leadership positions, encouraging their participation as key speakers at conferences and ensuring their representation on panels are steps towards overcoming an “unconscious bias” against them.
Justice Kohli was speaking at a programme organised by the International Arbitration & Mediation Centre, Hyderabad and others on the topic of ‘The Sociological Dimension of International Arbitration: Impartiality & Diversity’.
She said promoting women to leadership positions will recognise the “true value” which they bring to the table as decision makers. “Corporate entities, as significant stakeholders in arbitration, have a critical role to play. They are expected to include women in lists of potential arbitrators or in counsel roles,” she said.
“Providing young women lawyers with internships and opening doors to gaining practical experiences in legal departments and government sectors can pave the way for their future inclusion as partners in law firms, arbitrators, judges, and members of Tribunals and Commissions,” the top court judge said.
“Promoting women to leadership positions, encouraging their participation as key speakers at conferences, and ensuring their representation on panels are steps towards overcoming an unconscious bias and recognising the true value women bring to the table as decision-makers,” she added.
