Successful Launch in Costa Rica of the First WLW Chapter in Latin America   

September 21, 2023

The Costa Rican Bar Association, with its valuable sponsorship, was the scene of a historic milestone in the promotion of women’s leadership in the legal field, with the launch of the first chapter of  WLW | Women in a Legal World in Latin America. This inaugural event was attended by Marlén Estevez, President of the organisation at the international level, and Adriana Castro, who leads the Costa Rican chapter.

The event was attended by more than 150 lawyers. In this pioneering chapter, a committed group of more than 10 women leaders has taken on the responsibility of leading this initiative that seeks to promote women’s leadership in the legal sector. The organisation also has an advisory board. Prominent figures on the organisation’s board include renowned jurists such as Sonia Picado, Anabelle León, Thelma Curling and Zarela Villanueva. These women lawyers, who have been pioneers in their respective fields, holding leadership positions as Supreme Electoral Tribunal magistrates, ambassadors, presidents of the Supreme Court of Justice and congresswomen, are part of WLW’s advisory board.

The launch event was a testament to the commitment of Costa Rica and the Latin American region to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women in the legal profession. WLW International President, Marlén Estevez, shared some of the initiatives that have led to the success of WLW globally. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between women and men in promoting women’s leadership in all spheres of society.

Adriana Castro expressed her enthusiasm for the positive impact this initiative will have on the future of women lawyers in her country. She stated that they are determined to break down the barriers that limit the progress of women in the legal profession and to ensure that their abilities and achievements are fully recognised and valued.

The Costa Rican Bar Association is proud to be part of this historic milestone and looks forward to the continued progress and success of WLW in Latin America. With a shared commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, this initiative promises to be a beacon of hope for all women pursuing successful careers in the legal world in the region.

blplegal.com


Adriana Castro, Partner (BLP) and Head of WLW in Costa Rica



On Screen: Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, Ex Ambassador of Costa Rica in Spain






Sandra Arauz, Vice-President, Costa Rican Bar Association



Julio Castellanos, Partner (BLP)
Zarela Villanueva
(First Female President of the Supreme Court of Justice and Advisory Board Member of WLW)