Breaking barriers.
Journey to Becoming a Female President's Counsel: Faisza Mustapha Markar's Inspiring Path
How can we all work towards a world where the workplace respects and enables women's rights to integrate work and family in a holistic approach to building a career?
If you’re interested in compassionate society that values and respects women in the workplace, listen to my guest on Brave New Girls podcast Faisza Mustapha Markar. She was appointed President’s Counsel as a trailblazing barrister at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, and is shattering the legal glass ceiling with her remarkable achievements & her work includes fundamental rights of all and in alleviating stress for women in the workplace.
Faisza has battled within a male-dominated system and chauvinism as she has worked her way to the top of her profession whilst balancing work and family along the way. She found ways to cope despite the challenges and now supports the women in her Chambers by making changes to the structure and system through which they have to navigate.
Breaking Barriers in the Legal Field
Becoming a President's Counsel in Sri Lanka, equivalent to a King's Counsel in the UK, is a prestigious achievement that requires fulfilling stringent criteria. This includes having 25 years of practice at the Bar, maintaining a favourable record of judgments, and being a taxpayer. Despite these hurdles, Faisza stood out among the 300 applicants, securing one of the ten positions, and being one of only two women appointed.
Her work as a barrister at the Supreme Court focuses on fundamental rights and writ applications. She has consistently advocated for gender equality and women's rights, leveraging her position to support young female lawyers.
Early Influences and Personal Challenges
Faisza's passion for law was nurtured early in her childhood, inspired by her father and grandfather, both prominent figures in the legal field. Her journey was unconventional; she married at 18 and balanced her roles as a wife, mother, and student. Despite societal expectations and personal responsibilities, she pursued her legal education, eventually becoming a successful lawyer.
Her experiences highlight the significant challenges faced by women in a male-dominated profession. From dealing with discriminatory practices to navigating the demands of motherhood and career, Faisza has faced and overcome many obstacles.
Strategic Approach to Success
Faisza's strategy for success in the legal profession revolves around resilience, strategic planning, and creating a supportive work environment. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in working arrangements, such as allowing remote drafting of documents and setting structured consultation times. These measures help women balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
Moreover, she advocates for equal representation and supportive policies in legal chambers, such as consistent maternity leave policies and inclusive decision-making processes. Her commitment to creating an empowering environment for women in law extends to her own chambers, where she prioritizes the well-being and professional growth of her junior female lawyers.
Importance to Brave New Girls Podcast Audience
Faisza's experience is crucial for the Brave New Girls audience because it demonstrates a strategic and resilient approach to achieving career goals despite significant challenges. Her journey underscores the importance of creating supportive environments and advocating for systemic changes to enable more women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Ten Actionable Steps for Aspiring Female Professionals
Set Clear Goals: Define your career aspirations clearly and develop a roadmap to achieve them.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights into navigating your profession.
Build Resilience: Develop the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
Advocate for Flexibility: Promote and adopt flexible working arrangements to balance personal and professional life.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of changes and developments in your field to remain competitive and informed.
Network Effectively: Build a strong professional network to gain support and open new opportunities.
Prioritize Well-being: Ensure a healthy work-life balance and prioritize mental and physical well-being.
Challenge Discrimination: Stand against discriminatory practices and advocate for equal treatment in the workplace.
Leverage Technology: Utilize technology to improve efficiency and work-life balance.
Continuously Improve: Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to stay ahead in your career.
Faisza Mustapha Markar's journey to becoming a President's Counsel at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka exemplifies resilience, strategic planning, and the importance of supportive environments for women's success in law.
PS. Listen HERE to FAISZA’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.
