Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, has launched an innovative pilot program designed to assist women over the age of 50 in returning to work. In collaboration with the Older Women’s Network (OWN), this new initiative will provide mentorship and support, leveraging the expertise of Dentons’ staff to guide participants through the process of re-entering the workforce.
The program is aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by older women who have been out of work for extended periods, offering them both the opportunity for professional reintegration and much-needed economic security. Yumi Lee, CEO of OWN, expressed her optimism about the partnership, highlighting its broader social impact.
“This partnership with Dentons is a significant step forward in creating meaningful opportunities for older women to re-enter the workforce,” Lee said. “We’re grateful for their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of these women.”
Beverly Baker, the Chair of OWN NSW, also welcomed the program, praising Dentons for taking proactive steps to tackle the discrimination faced by older women in the job market. “We know that older women are discriminated against, and many find it very difficult to find work, especially if they have been out of the workforce for some years,” she said. “It is truly life-changing for an older woman to get economic security, and we hope that Dentons will inspire other companies to give older women a go.”
This program represents a direct response to the ongoing struggles many older women face when trying to re-enter the job market. For many, years of caring responsibilities, health challenges, or simply age-related bias can make it seem almost impossible to return to meaningful employment. Baker’s call for other businesses to follow Dentons’ example underscores the potential ripple effect such an initiative could have across the broader corporate sector.
Ben Allen, Partner at Dentons and Executive Sponsor of Diversity and Inclusion, emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with the firm’s core values. “Inclusion, diversity, and equity are core values of the firm,” Allen said. “We are committed to making a real change in the places we live and work and are very excited to help these women find justice through legal support, as well as rebuild their confidence through meaningful employment.”
Jack Meehan, Dentons’ Social Impact and Inclusion Manager, also shared his excitement about the collaboration with OWN. “What started as a conversation with Ms. Lee about the challenges facing older women has now grown into this wonderful initiative,” Meehan said. “I’m so excited to see it come to fruition and give our people a chance to be involved.”
For Dentons, the initiative is more than just a corporate social responsibility project; it is a way to enact real change and demonstrate that businesses can be a powerful force for good. By offering mentorship, career guidance, and opportunities for skills development, the firm is hoping to help older women overcome some of the structural barriers they face in returning to work.
This program is expected to have a lasting impact on the participants, offering them not just employment, but the chance to re-establish their financial independence, their confidence, and their sense of self-worth. For Dentons, it’s an opportunity to contribute positively to society while reinforcing their commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
