Global firm Dentons has partnered with the Older Women’s Network to support older women returning to work.
Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, has launched a pilot program for members of the Older Women’s Network (OWN) over 50 to re-enter the workforce with mentorship and support from existing Dentons staff.
The firm has also offered pro-bono legal services for women in need, including women who are experiencing homelessness.
Yumi Lee, the CEO of OWN, said the partnership will not only open doors for women, but also reduce the rates of homelessness experienced by older women.
“This partnership with Dentons is a significant step forward in creating meaningful opportunities for older women to re-enter the workforce,” Lee said.
“We’re grateful for their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of these women.”
Beverly Baker, the chair of OWN NSW, said she applauds the firm for “putting into practice its commitment to inclusion and diversity”.
“We know that older women are discriminated against and many find it very difficult to find work, especially if they have been out of the workforce for some years,” Baker said.
“It is truly life changing for an older woman to get economic security, and we hope that Dentons will inspire other companies to give older women a go.”
Women are the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. In the 2021 Census, 44.2 per cent of the 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness were women.
This was a 10.1 per cent increase from the 2016 Census, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics: women accounted for 81.7 per cent of the 6,067 increase of people experiencing homelessness in 2021.
Homelessness disproportionately affects older women. According to statistics from OWN, the number of 50-74 year old women seeking support for homeless services has increased by 55 per cent in the last ten years.
The leading cause of this increase in homelessness is domestic and family violence, according to Homelessness Australia: 45 per cent of all women and girls seeking homelessness assistance had cited family and domestic violence as the cause.
Other factors pushing older women into homelessness is the gender pay, savings and superannuation gap.
Ben Allen, Dentons Partner and Executive Sponsor of Diversity and Inclusion, said inclusion, diversity and equity are core values of the firm.
“We are committed to making a real change in the places we live and work and are very excited to help these women find justice through legal support, as well as rebuild their confidence through meaningful employment,” Allen said.
Jack Meehan, Dentons Social Impact and Inclusion Manager, said the firm is looking forward to working with OWN in this initiative.
“What started as a conversation with Ms. Lee about the challenges facing older women, has now grown into this wonderful initiative,” Meehan said.
“I’m so excited to see it come to fruition and give our people a chance to be involved.”
