The University of Pretoria’s Women in Law Society began with a dream to build a place where women found a space to belong, be valued, and grow. At our core is the principle of being “a legal society for women, by women, with women and for all gender spectrums.”
Founded in 2019, the legal sphere still carried (and still does carry) a longstanding problem, wherein women continued to be marginalised, deemed less than, and inhibited by a “glass ceiling” within a profession that already demands so much of those who wish to enter it.
Operating mainly on the Hatfield Campus at UP, our mission and purpose since our founding has thus always been to advance gender equality, promote and advocate for human rights, as well as address the injustices of our past. We wanted to play an active role in providing a space where women feel acknowledged, capable, supported, and equipped with the tools to succeed. This was not because we had any doubt they would succeed otherwise, as they have been doing for generations, but because every woman deserves a space designed to see her thrive.
As a result of the overwhelming support we have received from our members, and the hard work of Executive Committees past, we have become the largest society across all campuses, and we continue to grow.
How do we serve women in law?
On the student level, we offer practical experience and multiple opportunities to engage with women in law, helping our members develop their skills and abilities, and grow into confident legal professionals. Through Mondays that Matter and Wellness Wednesdays, we ensure our members are engaged, and our outreach initiatives encourage all to give back. Even if our members should choose careers outside of law, our goal is to ensure that we have played a significant part in providing a platform where they developed skills to succeed.
Over the years, we have hosted a multitude of workshops and events. Even further, we birthed a platform where members’ voices on the pertinent issues challenging the legal sphere and country at large can be heard, through our Member’s Voice initiative.
Our collaborations with leading law firms such as Werksmans, Norton Rose Fulbright, ENS, Pinsent Masons and more have given our members invaluable opportunities to gain insight into what it looks like to work in the fast-paced and often cutthroat legal environment, and engage with professionals. Our Sister Saturdays provide further opportunities to engage and obtain knowledge directly from inspirational women in law. With guests ranging from candidate attorneys to firm founders, we aim to show our members in real time that not only are their goals possible, but they are readily achievable.
We serve our members by fostering collaborations with other societies and structures, such as Moot societies and other law societies (like our recent Advocacy in Action event), so that their experiences can be further enriched. By collaborating with law firms, we offer opportunities our members may not have had otherwise by bridging the gap between being a student and working in the profession, such as in our Mock Interviews. This allows our members to refine their skills and receive constructive feedback that better positions them for success during the real deal.
Although we are a student society, our society impacts and engages with women beyond a student level, offering the opportunity for meaningful connections, learning, inspiration, and interaction. We coordinate outreach events and initiatives from pad drives to high school talks about university applications to ensure that access is not limited to location or funds. Serving our members goes beyond just an abstract concept, but places real examples to aspire to and to cement the truth that we as women are powerful and limited only by our own imaginations.
Building connections: Networking
Much of what we already do, from our workshops to our events, are also at the heart of it, networking opportunities. Networking is an integral part of the legal profession. It is common knowledge that who you are is not only defined by how you see yourself but can also be shaped by how others perceive you. Many opportunities lie with the people you meet, and creating a good first impression can be the difference between landing an opportunity and leaving a sour taste in someone’s mouth.
To help our members learn how to build these impressions, our portfolios have hosted a variety of events, from our Legal Expo to firm-specific workshops, which allowed our members the opportunity to engage directly with judges, equity partners, government workers, and academic scholars.
From these events, we’ve received invaluable insights that we love to share as tips to our members and aspiring legal practitioners:
- Be yourself. It might be cliché, but only because it works. It’s no use trying to be someone else.
- Be intentional with who and how you engage, but never overlook the “little person”. Networking isn’t only about who can get you the “best high-paying dream job”; it is about finding people you can foster meaningful connections with that could help you at various stages of your journey.
- Focus on engagement and human connection, not climbing the ladder. Impressions that stick are often impressions that are genuine.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join?
Follow us on Instagram and join our WhatsApp community to stay in the loop, and learn about our events! The sisterhood is phenomenal. You can access all of our social media through our Linktree.
Do I have to be a law student to become a member?
Not necessarily! While the bulk of our members are law students, anyone interested in joining our initiatives, events, and community is more than welcome.
What kind of events do we host?
We host workshops, networking events, career development opportunities, coordinate outreach activities, panel discussions, and more!
What makes UPWIL different?
We are more than just a student society. We are a sisterhood. Our focus is on creating community and collaboration intended to create a long-term impact.
Why should I become a member of UPWIL?
University and law is more than just earning a degree. It’s about building confidence, making connections, and developing professionally and personally. The people you could meet in this society might be people who join you for your journey long after you throw your graduation cap in the air.
Conclusion
In UPWIL, the sisterhood is integral to all we do. From our founding in 2019, to becoming the largest society across all campuses, our purpose always remains to create a space where women are supported, celebrated, challenged, and inspired. Our story, rooted in our goals, our advocacy, and our mission, is only getting started, and we’d love for you to be part of what comes next.
About the author
Christabel Akpoduado is currently a third-year LLB student at the University of Pretoria, serving on the UP Women in Law Executive Committee for the 2025/2026 term as an Academics Officer in the Academics Portfolio. Passionate about both legal education and student success, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower and support aspiring legal professionals.
Last updated on 25 July 2026.