School of Law alumna joins student society for Women’s History Month talk
A thought-provoking discussion at the School of Law featured alumna Dr Dakshina Gammanpila and Emmy Mae Edwards, President of Women Breaking Barriers.
On 11 March, students gathered for a compelling Women’s History Month event, 'In Conversation' with alumna Dr Dakshina Gammanpila and Emmy Mae Edwards, President of Women Breaking Barriers (WBB). The event provided an engaging and inspiring discussion on women’s rights, advocacy, and the importance of gender equality.
Dr Gammanpila, an accomplished barrister, researcher, and advocate, shared her remarkable journey through law, criminology, global humanitarian work and becoming a mother of two. Additionally, she talked about her experience and insights into women’s health, social justice, and international activism.
Emmy Mae Edwards, a final-year Law LLB student and 2024/25 President of WBB, reflected on her own path, emphasising the impact of community and mentorship in overcoming challenges such as imposter syndrome. As a first-generation university student, she highlighted the importance of fostering an inclusive space for young women aspiring to enter the legal profession:
The talk allowed for an exploration of complex topics, within a space safe environment, exemplified through discussions surrounding the Old Boys network at the Bar, having to work twice as hard to be recognised on account of your gender and ethnicity as well as the need for further awareness/research into conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS.
Dr Gammanpila told us about the event:
It has been enriching to reconnect with Leeds University and in particular the School of Law after many years living and working overseas. The partnership and support of the Law School and the Women Breaking Barriers initiative is something I applaud. Now more than ever we need forward-thinking, outward looking institutions and people who represent us all.
Engaging with Emmy and the students present both during and after the talk, with their insightful questions and perspectives on such wide-ranging themes, reminded me of why whilst pursuing a career at the Bar in London I decided to undertake postgraduate studies at the Centre for Criminal Justice at Leeds, then in its infancy.
Emmy emphasised the need for events like this, “The event conveyed powerful messages that resonated with attendees, such as of the importance of collaboration and mentorship, honing in on the aspects of yourself that make you different and relishing in the spontaneity of life through taking opportunities you may have never considered, focusing on the benefits of an international experience.”
Dakshina’s values align directly with the work of WBB, making this a particularly poignant event as Dakshina encapsulates the definition of an empowered, accomplished female, inspiring all attendees to achieve their dreams whilst staying true to themselves, first.”
Dr Gammanpila concluded:
To be speaking in the Liberty Building, which was championed by my supervising professor, and seeing how the faculty and student body has grown is something immensely moving and difficult to do justice to with words (pun and sentiment most certainly intended). I look forward to this fruitful reconnection as an alumna and wish all the students the very best for a bright and compassionate future.
Women Breaking Barriers is an award-winning, student-led initiative supported by the University of Leeds' School of Law that aims to celebrate the successes of women. Click here to find out more about their work and join their future events.
