Bradford has always been a beacon of representation when it comes to women in leadership.
Examples include Bradford Council Chief Executive, Kersten England, Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe, University of Bradford Vice Chancellor, Shirley Congdon and the CEO of the local Teaching Hospitals, Mel Pickup dominating the city’s top leadership positions. Notwithstanding the several award-winning female leaders, of respective organisations such the Bradford Literature Festival, the Muslim Woman Council, law firms, accountancy firms and more across the multi-cultural district, which includes our very own Editor of Asian Standard.
So, it is no surprise that the City of Culture 2025 is putting out the red carpet to showcase other pioneering women.
Lubna Shuja has just been announced as the first Asian and Muslim president of the Law Society of England and Wales. She will be making her first official ‘An audience with’ event at Bradford’s Midland Hotel on Friday 21 October.
The event is being organised by prominent female leader Nasreen Karim of award-winning Bradford law firm Platinum Partnership Solicitors and is expected to see hundreds attend, which will include dignitaries from the law profession as well as business men and women.
Ms Karim told Asian Standard: “The appointment of Lubna as the new President of the Law Society is a cause for celebration in so many ways.
“Not only is she the 7th female President in the Law Society’s 200 years but the first Muslim, first Asian and I think the first Bradfordian.
“She has shown that coming from a disadvantaged background is not actually a barrier and I hope hundreds, if not thousands of young people, women and South Asians are inspired by her. I was at Chancery Lane last week when she made her inaugural speech and it put a smile on my face.
“I wanted to hold a dinner in her honour so Bradfordians, fellow lawyers and local people from all communities could celebrate with her. Where better than her hometown.
“I am immensely proud of her and what she represents.”
Lubna Shuja took office as the Law Society’s 178th, first Asian, first Muslim and seventh woman president earlier this month.
For Lubna, this year marks 30 years since becoming a solicitor. The beginning of her term also coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the first woman – Carrie Morrison – being admitted to the roll of solicitors.
Lubna is a sole practitioner who specialises in professional discipline and regulation. She also has experience in contested wills and probate, divorce, child access, personal injury and contractual disputes.
Lubna has been a Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) accredited mediator since 2005. She handles civil, family, probate and commercial disputes.
“I am honoured to serve as Law Society president. I take on the role at a difficult time for the legal profession,” Lubna said.
“The rule of law has been in the spotlight as never before in recent history. The UK’s economy is on a knife-edge and businesses are having to deal with rising interest rates and high inflation.
“If the pandemic has proven one thing, however, it is that solicitors are resilient and adaptable. They keep the wheels of justice turning by providing services remotely, innovating at pace and ensuring the public can get the justice they deserve.”
Bradford is also expecting an audience with Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE in November, where guests will learn about her journey from being a housewife to entering the House of Lords.
The event is being hosted by Javed Bashir of the Professional Muslim Institute at Anams Restaurant on 11 November.
The Birmingham based civil rights campaigner and the influential woman behind the Muslim Women’s Network, Shaista Gohir, was made a life peer earlier this year.
The mother of three was motivated to become an activist when she saw many like her face deprivation and inequality. What initially started off as a hobby, in 2004 turned into a charity and today employs 15 people. After founding the Muslim Woman’s Network, Baroness Gohir went on to set up the national Muslim Women’s Network Helpline, a specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline and counselling service, helping women all over the country.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Baroness Gohir said: “It is about time more people from the charity sector were in the Lords, who know of the issues that are impacting on the daily lives of so many people, more so now with inflation and austerity.
“It means when legislation is going through, we can put forward people’s experiences and how it will impact on them. It is also important that more women are represented – only about 28% of peers are women.”
