“Navigating challenges as a woman in a male-dominated legal and business world has required me to work twice as hard”

María Rosa, tell us how you got to be where you are today.

As the managing partner at Bustamante Fabara, one of the largest law firms in Ecuador boasting over 120 lawyers across 24 practice areas, and as a mother of two, my journey in law is a testament to a blend of professional excellence and personal resilience. With over three decades of legal experience, I have emerged as a prominent figure in Ecuador’s legal landscape, excelling in areas such as intellectual property, antitrust & competition, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions.

My career has been marked by significant milestones, including advising leading companies in major legal cases, pioneering advancements in business law, and setting new standards in intellectual property. A key highlight of my leadership was the successful merger of Fabara Abogados with Bustamante & Bustamante, transforming it into a powerhouse in the Ecuadorian legal sector and exemplifying my strategic vision and commitment to excellence.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I play a significant role in Ecuador’s economic and industrial sectors, as evidenced by my position on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Industries and Production, where I advocate for sustainable development and economic growth.

I also hold prestigious positions as an arbitrator at the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the Quito Chamber of Commerce, the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission.

On a personal note, I am a devoted mother of two, married for 27 years, an enthusiast of half marathons, and maintain a regular exercise routine, further exemplifying my dedication to balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling personal life.

Please provide the best example you have of a time in your career when you were treated differently because you are a woman.

Throughout my career in the legal profession, a field that reflects the broader trend of male dominance in business, I have consistently faced and navigated gender disparities. These challenges are not just confined to the legal industry but are pervasive in business interactions, where I have often encountered stereotypical machismo attitudes.

One of the clearest examples of these gender-specific obstacles is the need to occasionally assume a secondary role in various transactions and negotiations. This strategic decision, made to protect the interests of my clients, was necessitated by dealing with male counterparts who held entrenched macho viewpoints. In those situations, taking a step back was essential to navigate the biases and ensure successful outcomes for my clients.

Early in my career, this gender imbalance was evident through skepticism from peers and clients about my ability to manage high-stakes legal matters while being a devoted mother. This skepticism stemmed from traditional views on gender roles, which unfairly scrutinized women’s commitment to their profession when paired with family responsibilities.

In conclusion, navigating these countless challenges as a woman in a male-dominated legal and business world has required me to work twice as hard to demonstrate my capabilities far more extensively than my male counterparts. These experiences have not only fortified my resolve but have also shaped me into a more resilient, empathetic and effective leader, allowing me to make significant contributions to my profession and advocate for a more equitable society.

In this male-dominated legal and business world, women in Ecuador often find themselves having to work harder

How would you describe your professional environment for women?

In Ecuador, a country with deeply rooted traditional values, the professional environment for women, especially in the legal field, is characterized by significant gender disparities and a broader trend of male dominance in business. This gender imbalance is not only prevalent in the legal sector but also mirrors the wider business landscape, where traditional gender roles and stereotypes continue to influence professional dynamics.

This imbalance often manifests itself in skepticism from peers and clients regarding a woman’s ability to handle high-stakes legal matters, particularly when they are also devoted mothers. Such skepticism stems from entrenched views on gender roles, where women’s commitment to their profession is frequently and unfairly scrutinized considering their family responsibilities. The expectation that women should primarily fulfill domestic roles continues to be a challenge, affecting their professional growth and opportunities.

In this male-dominated legal and business world, women in Ecuador often find themselves having to work harder to prove their capabilities and to be taken seriously. Despite the increasing awareness and gradual progress towards gender equality, the journey for women in Ecuador’s professional environment remains a challenging one, shaped by the need to constantly navigate and overcome these deeply ingrained societal norms and biases.

What sorts of career difficulties have you encountered as a woman, how did you overcome?

I have indeed faced career difficulties as a woman in Ecuador’s legal sector, such as doubt of my abilities, which is an issue rooted in traditional gender roles, even though my track-record speaks for itself. I often had to adopt secondary roles in negotiations due only to the fact I’m not male.

To overcome gender discrimination, I consistently demonstrated my expertise and advocated for policies supporting working mothers, like extended maternity leave and flexible schedules. These efforts helped me excel and pave the way for other women in the legal profession.

What are the biggest obstacles to successfully juggling your private and professional life?

Balancing my private and professional life as the managing partner of a major law firm and a mother has indeed been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. The primary obstacles stem from the high demands of the legal profession and the traditional expectations placed on women in family roles.

Lawyers work long hours and must constantly be available, and this is, challenging when striving for a healthy family life. As a mother and spouse, the expectation to be an ever-present parent and wife while leading a major law firm presents unique challenges.

There’s also a societal expectation that women, even in high-powered careers, should primarily manage family and home responsibilities. This traditional view adds pressure, making it difficult for women to find a balance that is fulfilling both personally and professionally.

I’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband and the understanding of my children. This, coupled with a well-structured way of running our family life, helps me fulfill my motherly and domestic duties and has been instrumental in managing the challenge of being a working mother.

A shift in mindset was crucial – recognizing that being a dedicated professional and a committed parent are not mutually exclusive. This approach has enabled me to redefine the balance between professional and private life, setting an example for others to follow.