We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Charlotte Proudman, a barrister passionate about supporting women’s rights in court and founder of ‘Right to Equality’, a non-profit advocating for gender equality and justice, about her journey to the Bar and moments throughout her career that have been most rewarding.
"Throughout my career, I’ve delved into the complex interplay between the law and gender inequality, particularly the protection of women's rights. Representing survivors of rape, domestic abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour in court has highlighted the justice system's shortcomings showing me how important legal reforms and the power of advocacy are in creating systemic change.
What are some of your proudest achievements to date?
"I am proud of several achievements, including my instrumental role in introducing FGM Protection Orders, criminalising forced marriage, virginity testing, hymenoplasty, and child marriage and my advocacy work on raising the age of marriage from 16 to 18 alongside Girls Not Brides. Founding Right to Equality, a non-profit dedicated to advancing gender equality and justice, has also been rewarding!"
Could you tell us a little more about ‘Right to Equality’?
"Through Right to Equality, I have contributed to and led successful campaigns criminalising public sexual harassment and pushing the Garrick to open its membership to women through open letters and an organized protest. I helped create a comprehensive report on the presumption of contact with Dr Adrienne Barnett on the harm the presumption causes to children and victims of abuse, which I presented in Parliament. We have launched a campaign to combat bias called 'Breaking Bias, Building Justice,' which is now in full swing. I have also successfully represented several mothers in appeals, enabling them to protect their children and begin the process of recovery. You can read more about the appeals here or on Goldsmith Chambers's website."
What was your motivation to join the Bar?
"My motivation to pursue a career in law stems from a deep commitment to fighting for women's rights and equality. My work is driven by supporting survivors of abuse, advocating for legal changes, and challenging systemic injustices. As a campaigner and barrister, I am passionate about ensuring justice is accessible to all, particularly those marginalised and oppressed."
Could you tell us what you’re currently working on?
"Current Projects: All ongoing campaigns at Right to Equality: Of note, we are campaigning for an end to the presumption of child contact with abusive parents, updating the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to use an affirmative consent model, decriminalising abortion, making spiking a specific criminal offence, equality in clubs and addressing judicial bias."
Connect with Charlotte
Professional Profile
Charlotte's Website