This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, focuses on the idea that when women mentor, advocate for and invest in one another, the benefits extend beyond the individual.
This photograph, taken at the inaugural Be The Ladder Awards, features women from Moore Barlow’s Major Trauma team and shows this year’s theme in action. Many of us have worked together for years, across different stages of our careers. Some have been mentored within the team. Some have recruited and trained others. Some have progressed into more senior roles while continuing to guide those coming through. It is not simply a group picture; it represents countless moments of giving and gaining that have strengthened the team, supported individual progression and ultimately improved outcomes for our clients.
As a team, much of that success has come from recognising that not everybody starts from the same position. That awareness has shaped how we share experience, create opportunity and invest time in one another. Those differences are not always visible in a photograph. While some diversity can be seen, social mobility, caring responsibilities and other lived experiences often cannot. But it’s important that we fully understand these intersecting factors to know how we can create equity. It requires deliberate action to remove hurdles through mentoring, recruitment, supervision and flexibility at key stages. That approach also shapes culture. Diversity does not emerge by accident; it is influenced by leadership and by the environment that leaders choose to create and I am proud to say it reflects the culture we continue to build at Moore Barlow.
Give to Gain is not a slogan; it describes how professional development actually works. We talk about giving, mentoring, advocating, creating opportunity. The gain? Retention. Stronger teams. Sustainable careers and more women in leadership. In a profession that often measures individual success, the real strength lies in our collective investment.
Training someone properly takes time. Backing someone for promotion carries responsibility. This is where upward momentum begins, in the deliberate lifting of others, and in creating space for the next generation.
Many of the women in leadership today progressed at a time when the profession was less flexible and less representative than it is now. The experience they carry is hard-earned. That wisdom should not sit quietly. It should be shared, and it should be sought. Asking questions, reaching out and learning from those who have navigated the path before is part of how progress continues.
The Be The Ladder initiative is built on this idea. Progress is not simply about climbing; it carries a responsibility to lift others as you climb.
The photograph captures that reality. It reflects years of lifting one another forward and the understanding that progress in this profession is rarely achieved alone. Leadership, at its best, recognises that sustainable and rewarding careers depends on how we lift others as we move forward.
Hear from some of our amazing women
Maham Khalid
This photo means a lot to me because it shows the real spirit of our team. It is a group of women from different backgrounds, at different stages of their careers, supporting and encouraging each other. As someone who grew up in Pakistan, being part of this is something my younger self could never have imagined. Standing alongside these women reminds me how far I have come and how much is possible when you believe in yourself and keep going.
Being at the Be The Ladder Awards makes it even more meaningful as it reflects our shared commitment to helping those who need that extra support to succeed.
The theme “Give to Gain” really reflects my experience at Moore Barlow and in the Major Trauma team because in giving our time, care, and support to each other, we all grow and will keep growing, both professionally and personally.
Antonia Elsom
This picture represents a significant moment for me as it shows an amazing group of women coming together to celebrate the achievements of others. As a newly qualified solicitor, the theme of Give to Gain couldn’t have been more significant. I knew at the start of my career I wanted to be involved in something that was going to have an impact, and Be the Ladder was the perfect opportunity. The initiative embodies my passion for helping others, particularly young learners, by providing the resources and support they need to succeed. This aligns with my belief in elevating and empowering the next generation – helping them climb the ladder of success, no matter where they start. Being part of a group of like-minded women who share this vision, and celebrating the success of others, fuels my motivation to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Sharon Hamilton
I look at this photo with a sense of pride as it represents strength, unity and a shared purpose. Standing together, we reflect not only individual journeys but a joint commitment to making a difference. It captures the power of collaboration, women supporting women, professionals supporting one another. A team that represents diversity and united by resilience and ambition. To me, it symbolises pride in our work, in our impact, and in the culture we continue to build together.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates with my experience at Moore Barlow and as part of the Major Trauma team. As a PA/Legal Support Team Leader I see firsthand how the more we invest in our clients, our colleagues and our expertise, the more meaningful our work becomes. Through my own personal experience, the time I have given to support and the empathy shown by our team strengthens trust and outcomes. In supporting one another and those we represent during their most challenging moments, we gain perspective, growth and a sense of purpose.
Shiwani Kashira
To me, this picture represents not just unity and diversity but also a powerhouse. Each of us bring our own story, skills, and experiences to represent a strong team. It also symbolises progress – a reminder of how far women have come, especially women of diverse backgrounds and the challenges they may have overcome to reach their places. Incredibly proud to be part of the MT team.
It’s incredibly rewarding to invest our time and knowledge in the team. “Give to gain” for me at Moore Barlow is about attention, encouragement, patience, and contribution which we all employ and apply to one another. The more we contribute to our team and colleagues growth, the more we grow ourselves as individuals. It is also a reminder that our value and work goes beyond our billable targets and is measured by our contribution to the firm and our colleagues. Moore Barlow gives me a safe space to invest that time and knowledge in juniors which in return helps me gain and grow.
Becky McIvor
“This photo represents more than just a group of colleagues; it reflects a dynamic, multi-generational team that supports, uplifts, and empowers one another. Each of us brings something special to the table, and together we represent the strength of collaboration and shared success. At Moore Barlow, we’ve created an environment where we empower one another to reach new heights. It’s about more than just work; it’s about lifting each other up and showing up for each other, every step of the way.
“Give to Gain” speaks to the heart of what we do every day at Moore Barlow. It’s about sharing our knowledge and our time, knowing that the more we invest in each other, the more we all thrive. In the Major Trauma team, we live this every day – supporting one another, pushing boundaries, and achieving greatness together for our clients. There’s no limit to what we can achieve when we empower each other. #GirlPower”
Kate Cilliers
This photo means a huge amount to me. As a student who has recently joined the team and as someone who has come from South Africa, a place where gender inequality is still a significant challenge – it represents aspiration, progress, and possibility. Standing alongside women from Partners to paralegals to secretaries, I see the ladder I hope to climb, built on their hard work, resilience, and determination. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, yet together we show what can be achieved when opportunity and support are present. That is incredibly powerful to witness and be part of.
This photo was taken at the Be the Ladder Awards. To be able to give back and support children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in all forms is truly incredible. Coming from South Africa, this resonates deeply with me. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Supporting a cause rooted in education and opportunity feels like actively contributing to that change, helping to build the very ladder that others can climb.
Hannah Nelmes
To me, it represents a group of women who individually are strong, creative, kind people who have their own life experiences. When these skill sets are brought together and through sharing those experiences we empower and support each other and others. This year’s theme Give to Gain focusses on raising awareness on what can be achieved as a collective through supporting others. This photograph is a great snapshot of what I have experienced when working with colleagues who support and empower each other in the workplace. It allows us collectively to help each other, our clients who are in very vulnerable states and also others on a wider scale through the charity work that the team also does. This photograph was taken at an event to celebrate and fundraise for a charity that is supporting others to reach their goals through others helping them with getting access to such opportunities.
Nadia Draoua
This picture perfectly captures the spirit of “Give to Gain”. Every day we give our time, knowledge, and emotional energy to people whose lives have been shattered by catastrophic injury. Representing claimants in major trauma cases is not just about legal strategy. It is about listening, understanding, and standing beside individuals and families at their most vulnerable. This image shows us standing in shared purpose. We give strength to one another, mentoring, collaborating, and lifting each other up in a demanding field.
Our Major Trauma team is able to work together, give personal time and empathy to one another to ensure everyone is supported whilst giving back to the community through team initiatives. We believe all of this excels our expertise and skills in being able to help our client’s rebuild their lives with a shared mission.
Sophie Winstanley
When I look at this picture, I feel an immense sense of pride in what it represents. Our team was built on the foundation of organic growth and development, creating opportunities for people to learn, progress and shape their own careers. We actively encourage everyone to be their authentic self – celebrating diversity and individuality.
Seeing this group of women together really captures that journey. Many of us have supported one another through different stages of our careers, whether through mentoring, sharing experience or simply taking the time to listen and encourage each other. I have certainly had times where I’ve had to lean on my colleagues, whether emotionally or practically, and they have never let me down.
For me, this year’s theme “Give to Gain” is about exactly that. Investing time in others, celebrating their achievements and creating opportunities for the next generation ultimately strengthens the whole team.
Reflecting on how far we’ve all progressed, personally and professionally, makes me incredibly proud.
