• “It is not women’s liberation, it is women’s and men’s liberation” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg (amongst other highlights, Jean-Pierre Fierens’ Professor at Columbia University and member of the US Supreme Court).

All members of the group are in favour of "Women's Liberation" and "Men's Liberation" without hesitation.

Women today are increasingly free to make their own choices, to be autonomous and independent in all aspects of their lives. They may be influenced by their education or lack freedom for psychological reasons, just like men, but both need to work on these issues themselves. Already now, by freeing themselves, women are setting an example for men. As women are freer to make their own life choices, men realize that the same applies to them. Men will no longer be ashamed about becoming child carers or of showing their fragility. Women will be men's example. Women will no be ashamed to become engineers or of showing their fragility either. Women and men will no longer be opposed.

Women's liberation frees men from their own stereotypes and from the "good father" straitjacket in which they have traditionally been confined. Both women and men are now free to make choices based on their personal interests rather than by social convenience.

But both men and women must continue to work for their liberation, in order to advance or to preserve these freedoms, for this struggle can never be taken for granted.

• “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson

In sports competitions, women may have lower physical strength compared to men, but their mental strength and determination can be as strong or even stronger. Despite the focus on physical strength, there's also a significant aspect of mental strength to consider. Men often emphasize physical strength and masculinity, while women may not always highlight their own strength which may of course differ from physical strength. However, it's important to recognize that gender inequality extends beyond physical differences, with men and women facing different challenges and societal expectations. Feminism helps uncover and address these biases, emphasizing that women are already strong and aiming to change societal perceptions of that strength. Ultimately, it all stems from the way children are educated and influenced by society about gender roles and capabilities.

• “Feminism is, I hope, a way to a better future for everyone who inhabits this world. Feminism should not be something that needs a seductive marketing campaign. The idea of women moving through the world as freely as men should sell itself.” – Roxane Gay

Feminism strives for all genders having equal rights and opportunities, whilst considering the differences between the genders. These differences should be considered as a strength and should unite and not divide. In this regard, a lot has already been achieved in Belgium in the field of women's rights. We are thinking of voting rights, education, career planning, social protection, etc. Where there is still room for improvement is in guaranteeing the physical safety of women, both in Belgium and internationally (including in a war context). All too often, women are still physically harassed, assaulted, raped and stalked by men/ex-partners. Some are even murdered even though there is an official no-contact order. For this, we call for much more severe penalties on any kind of violence against women. We also have in mind the education of boys where much more emphasis should be placed on respect towards the opposite sex. It would be nice to be able to walk the streets safely as a woman alone in the evening or at night.

• “I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” – Mary Shelley

We think that it is essential to emphasise the importance of gender equality, to support the fight for women's rights around the world and also to work for greater inclusion and diversity in the community. Speaking of inclusion, this quote illustrates that women empowerment is not about dominating others or about women seeking dominance over men, but rather having the power to shape their own lives and destinies. This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of equality and liberation, emphasizing the importance of women's sovereignty over their own lives and choices. Even if mentalities have evolved over the last few years, there is still more to be done to make the world a better place for future generations. On the occasion of International Women's Day, let's honor the journey towards self-empowerment and autonomy.

• “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt fundamentally redefined not only the role of First Lady but also that of every woman. She had a strong sense of social mission and engagement, and she dared to be ambitious in her professional life, in times where female ambitions were accepted primarily only within the households.

Her quote is a call for women to break free from societal constraints and expectations, to dare to defy norms, to challenge stereotypes and the status quo, and so to simply be free. Thanks to this, women’s bold actions in everyday life bring about change toward equality and justice for all.

To us, Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote and life serves as an inspiration and as a reminder to acknowledge all such courageous women. In law, we can only look up to personas such as that of the first Belgian female PhD at law, Mary Popelin, and the first female attorney at the Brussels bar, Paule Lamy, or to the ever-inspiring Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They too showed us that obedience and following established patterns is not a way to go and that progress toward equality requires ongoing efforts.

Finally, let us not forget that law firms’ success not only depends on lawyers (male or female), but on assistants and managers and other staff, being predominantly women working behind the scenes. Their dedication and team spirit make it possible to achieve the high standard of services that any law firm wants to provide to its clients.