News / Articles

Breaking Barriers in International Law: Highlights From the 2025 WeWIL Networking Event

The “Empowering Women in International Law” global networking webinar, hosted by the International Association of Women Judges (“IAWJ”) in collaboration with the GQUAL campaign, marked a record-breaking edition on November 17, 2025. This year’s program brought together 145 women law students from 49 countries and more than 60 speakers representing 43 international institutions, reflecting unprecedented participation and global reach. This represents a significant increase from the previous edition, which gathered 83 students and 26 women professionals from 16 international courts, tribunals, and bodies.

The program combined expert panels with targeted breakout mentoring sessions across key fields such as International Criminal Law, International Human Rights Law, and Public International Law with emphasis on arbitration and development. The mentoring sessions were conducted in small-group formats moderated by experienced student facilitators, fostering an intimate environment for direct dialogue, personalized guidance, and practical career advice from leading women in international law.

Across all rooms, several themes emerged: the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise, the value of postgraduate studies and professional qualifications, and the critical role of strong English-language skills in accessing international academic and professional pathways. Panelists and students also spoke openly about challenges such as impostor syndrome, balancing family life with demanding careers, and navigating the wide range of policy, research, and advisory roles within international organizations. Particularly engaging discussions explored the pursuit of master’s programs, the added value of multilingualism in arbitration, and the realities of sustaining development projects amid shifting donor priorities.

The breakout discussions generated concrete follow-up steps for students: exploring specialized training programs and academies, mapping pathways toward policy or consultancy careers, and cultivating language and research skills aligned with their professional goals. A guiding maxim echoed throughout the sessions—“stay true to your mandate”—underscoring how clarity of purpose and perseverance help navigate complex institutional landscapes.

The event reaffirmed the resilience required in international law and the power of mentorship and community to transform challenges into opportunities.