Aura Network Celebrates South Asian Women in Law During Heritage Month

Leeds recently hosted a significant event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, focusing on the achievements of women in the legal profession. The celebration, organized by the Aura Network, a platform founded by solicitor Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE of SKB Law, partnered with Walker Morris LLP to present “Roots to Routes.” This panel discussion and networking evening gathered legal professionals and allies from Yorkshire and beyond.

The event took place at the Leeds office of Walker Morris, aligning with this year’s theme of “Roots to Routes.” Central to the evening was an open discussion about the challenges and triumphs faced by women in law, emphasizing the importance of heritage and visibility for future generations of legal professionals. The panel addressed how these conversations can inspire and guide young lawyers as they navigate their careers.

The event also marked the recent appointment of Sobia Hussain as a District Judge, a milestone that has been celebrated as a sign of progress in representation within the judiciary. The panel was hosted by Shabana Muneer, a partner at Walker Morris, and included contributions from four distinguished South Asian women in the legal field. Participants included Muneer herself, Kiranpreet Kaur, a trainee solicitor at Walker Morris; Professor Sheba Affridi, a leadership coach at Darkspark Coaching; and Harjit Rait, partner and head of family law at LCF Law.

Launched in 2023 at the House of Lords during the South Asian Women Gamechangers in Law event, Aura Network has rapidly developed into a vital resource for mentoring and peer support. Its mission focuses on ensuring that the narratives of South Asian women in law are heard and utilized to inspire others.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Sarah Khan-Bashir stated, “Twenty years ago, an event like this simply wouldn’t have happened, which shows how far we’ve come. But the conversations we had also highlighted how much these spaces are still needed.” She noted that the insights shared by the panel resonated with both seasoned professionals and those just starting their careers.

Khan-Bashir expressed gratitude to Walker Morris for hosting the event and acknowledged her team for their contributions. “It was a meaningful discussion that clearly resonated with so many in the room,” she added. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the progress made in creating opportunities for South Asian women lawyers, while also emphasizing the ongoing need for collaboration within the sector to continue advancing these pathways.

The event encapsulated the spirit of South Asian Heritage Month, showcasing the achievements and contributions of women in law. It highlighted the importance of collective efforts in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the next generation of legal professionals.