Feb 2021
Millie Wentworth-Stanley, MA, LLM – OSJCT Deputy Chair and Family Law Solicitor shares her thoughts on opportunities for women
International Women's Day - 8 March 2021
Millie joined OSJCT as a Trustee in 2010 and became Deputy Chair in 2015. She took on the role to use her skills in an organisation which makes a positive difference for families. Millie also practices family law in the company she set up in 1998.
Millie is delighted to support International Women’s Day, she said: “I think it’s important to have an awareness day for gender equality. As women in the UK we have a fair share of voice but it’s good to celebrate success and support this global campaign, especially where other countries have more to do to address equality. It’s an uplifting and positive message.”
Reflecting on her time as a graduate law student from Cambridge, Millie remembered that in the 1980s it was not uncommon to be passed over by interviewers who would not recruit women because they may get married, have children and leave the role after a few years.
There were fewer women employed in law at the start of her career particularly at senior level, and sexism was evident. She said that it wasn’t aggressive, and she grew to be resilient, confident and assertive. Forty years later, law is attracting as many women as men and Millie is no longer in the minority as a woman in a senior role.
A key moment came in 1998 when Millie left an established law firm to set up her own business. She said:
“Due to the culture of the law sector at the time, I couldn’t see myself continuing in that city law firm and having a family. The were few female partners with children and practising part-time was not an option. I saw that I needed to make something happen to continue practicing law, a role I love, and have children. I looked at all the ways to make that possible and took the brave step of setting up my own business.”
Taking a risk paid off as Millie succeeded in setting up her law practice and having children, two daughters and a son, now in their teens and early 20s.
Comparing the law sector with health and social care, Millie notes that the latter attracts a larger proportion of women. She said: “Many wonderful women and men work at OSJCT and take up the fantastic career progression programmes that are on offer. The Trust supports those who want to, to train and study in that field and to work flexibly and complement family life.
“In a way, this female dominated sector has a natural focus on creating a family atmosphere in our homes, and with a higher proportion of women residents than men, it’s fortuitous that they can be cared for sympathetically.”
Millie supports many families with difficult decisions and complex situations in her role as a solicitor, trying to ease their emotional stresses and support family relationships. Her role at Deputy Chair contributes to the governance and direction of OSJCT homes run by teams who are focussed on replicating a sense of family life for all its residents.
Millie concluded: “Equality does not necessarily mean the same for everyone and there are many paths and choices people can choose, to fulfil their potential. International Women’s Day celebrates women making their own choices and playing to their strengths thereby creating a better world.”