International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of empowering women in all fields, protecting their rights, and ensuring they achieve their full potential.
And as the day approaches, we find it essential to recognize the contributions of women across all professions, including those who work in courtrooms. Women interpreters have made significant strides in ensuring equal access to justice for all, regardless of language barriers.
In the field of interpretation, women outnumber men. According to online job search platform, Zippia, in 2021, 66.81%[i] of certified court interpreters in the U.S. were women.
This trend of increasing female representation extends to other sectors of the legal field as well. According to recent data[ii]:
- 56.2% of law students are women
- 51.5% of federal government general lawyers are women
- 50.3% of law firm associates are women
- 49.2% of full-time law school faculty are women
While men continue to dominate the highest-ranking positions of the U.S. legal profession— including state supreme court seats, corporate counsel roles, federal judgeships, and law firm partnerships—professional women have steadily advanced in the legal field.
| Pioneering In Court Interpretation Did you know? Grace Bagnato, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Italian-born parents, became Toronto’s first female court interpreter in 1921. She spoke Yiddish, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, German, and Italian in addition to her native English. By 1936 she was Toronto’s most sought-after interpreter, even receiving requests from Montreal and New York officials. Grace’s pioneering work paved the way for the strong representation of women in court interpretation we see today. |
Vital Role of Women Interpreters in the Legal System
Legal interpreters are essential for equal access to justice for people with limited English proficiency, and women interpreters play a key role in promoting fairness and equality in the legal system.
The presence of women interpreters can be especially impactful in cases involving:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Child custody disputes
- Human trafficking
In these situations, female interpreters may help create a more comfortable environment for victims and witnesses, particularly women and children who may feel more at ease communicating with a woman. This added comfort can lead to more accurate and comprehensive testimonies.
Continued Support and Celebration
As a woman-owned company, we’re proud to contribute to the advancement of women in legal interpretation. Our commitment aligns with the broader goals of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in all fields and ensuring they thrive.
As we reflect on the progress made, let us continue to support and celebrate the crucial role of women interpreters in upholding justice and equality in our legal system. Their work not only breaks down language barriers but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable justice system.
Written by Valentina Rodriguez
[i] Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/certified-court-interpreter-jobs/demographics/
[ii] American Bar Association. https://www.americanbar.org/news/profile-legal-profession/women/