Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels 

In a key step towards reducing the unnecessary imprisonment of women and girls, we published a multi-jurisdictional study for Penal Reform International in conjunction with the International Drug Policy Consortium, analysing the sentencing of women convicted of drug-related offences.

International standards and commitments, such as the 2010 United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and the Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (The Bangkok Rules), urge action to reverse the alarming over-incarceration trends and to adopt gender-sensitive laws and policies. Our report considered the drug laws, sentencing guidelines and sentences imposed on women. Many countries surveyed failed to take into account, or consider, the typical circumstances and roles of women's involvement with drugs and were not in line with international standards. 

Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life 

In partnership with Deutsche Bank, we established ’Engagement im Gallus', a programme promoting inclusion through education, training and assistance to female entrepreneurs in one of Frankfurt’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

We have a long-standing focus on gender equality within our own firm and are committed to creating an environment in which women are able to progress and where all genders feel supported in balancing their responsibilities inside and outside of the workplace. We aim to do this by creating a balanced and sustainable pipeline of female talent at every career level; ensuring women have greater development and sponsorship opportunities through our talent programmes, including our Women’s Leadership Programme for senior associates (started in 2012), and Stepping Forward, our group coaching programme for more junior female associates (started in 2017); leading the way with our parental leave and support benefits; being agile in our approach to working arrangements and career paths; and developing our leaders’ understanding of different people’s perspectives and experiences. We’re proud to have elected our first female Senior Partner.