Justice Ayesha A. Malik, judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, participated in the Women in Law Conference 2026 held in Vienna under the theme, "Women's Rights are Human Rights: From Backlash to Equity 2.0." Bringing a judicial perspective to the deliberations, Justice Ayesha A. Malik addressed the journey from representation to meaningful participation and highlighted the institutional changes required to achieve substantive equality within the legal profession.

Her address examined how gender perspectives can inform legal reasoning and judicial practice, and how the meaningful presence of women in positions of authority can contribute to shaping institutions, laws and outcomes. The conference brought together judges, lawyers, academics and legal professionals from different jurisdictions to deliberate upon the continuing challenges to women's rights and the transition from formal equality towards genuine and substantive equity.

During the sessions, participants discussed the systematic barriers that hinder women's advancement in the legal sector globally. Justice Malik emphasized that overcoming these obstacles requires a proactive approach from judicial and legislative institutions alike. She noted that true justice cannot be delivered without ensuring that diverse perspectives are adequately represented and valued within the adjudication process.

Legal experts at the international forum appreciated the insights shared from Pakistan's judicial experience, particularly regarding recent legislative reforms aimed at protecting women's rights. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among global legal practitioners to foster inclusive environments and promote policies that guarantee equal opportunities for women in the judiciary and legal practice.