"Patriarchy and the Law: 10 Case Laws That Changed Women’s Rights"

"Patriarchy and the Law: 10 Case Laws That Changed Women’s Rights"
with Mahnoor Omer

The patriarchal system is often upheld by the law, or the law is enforceable because of patriarchal norms. Either way, many of the rights we take for granted today were hard-won by brave individuals in court. These include the right of a woman to order a drink at a bar (Gill and Coote v El Vino Co Ltd, 1982), the right to work despite being pregnant (Air India v. Nargesh Mirza, 1981), the right to marry outside one’s race in the U.S. (1967), and the banning of the two-finger virginity test in Pakistan and India (2020).

Even today, many patriarchal laws persist, but the historic struggle and the development of feminist jurisprudence in courts offer valuable lessons. They not only make us aware of the battles fought before us but also show how discriminatory legislation can be challenged, creating precedents that can shape the law for years to come.

Bio
Mahnoor Omer is a human rights lawyer based in Islamabad, Pakistan. She has previously clerked at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Her work as an activist and lawyer has been featured in Al Jazeera, The Guardian, DW, and numerous other international publications. She is an organiser of the Aurat March (Women’s March) and runs an online advocacy vlog where she speaks out for women’s and minority rights. Mahnoor is currently pursuing an MSc in Gender, Peace, and Security at the London School of Economics.

Mahnoor Omer has been named a TIME Woman of the Year 2026 among a cohort of 16 women who are working to make the world a more equitable and just place. She achieved recognition for her activism around period products in Pakistan, where taxes can add an extra 40% to the retail price.

Venue:
Drygate Brewery
85 Drygate, Glasgow
G4 0UT


Event Running Time:
Doors 2pm
Introduction: 2:25pm
Lecture: 2:30pm
Q&A: 3:15pm
Mix & mingle with other attendees 3:25pm
Wrap up 3:45pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

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