Empower women lawyers to support women survivors of violence

“In cases related to sexual violence and harassment, women don’t feel comfortable talking to male advocates and male advocates do not feel comfortable really arguing these issues in court. I work hard to challenge this silence around sexual violence cases.” -SAWF IN Legal Fellow (2017-19) Uttar Pradesh, India

It is very common for many women survivors of violence to avoid taking the path of legal justice as they find the whole process daunting and without any clear end. Intimidating legal processes and lack of ownership over resources also puts women at a disadvantage in accessing formal courts in cases of civil disputes or criminal offences.

Women survivors of violence often face

●      Lack of awareness of their legal rights

●      Insensitivity

●      Discomfort in speaking to male advocates

●      A hostile legal process that can overwhelm them.

They often choose to stay in violent relationships and situations with limited access to justice mechanisms.

Their ability to seek legal redressal is challenged by familial, social and structural barriers. Having sensitive female lawyers who can improve their access to pro bono services is an important step to helping more women survivors of violence come forward and seek a life free of violence. Female lawyers especially in primary (district) courts are one of the first sites of legal response to violence and play a vital role in providing legal services to disadvantaged women by being an ally, providing a secure space for them to share their issues and offering legal aid and support.

South Asia Women Foundation India supports young female lawyers with its “one of a kind” legal fellowship. It aims to build a national network of skilled women lawyers practising in primary courts, who are sensitive and practice transparency in their legal process. The women lawyers are drawn from marginalised communities, ranging from minority religious groups to Dalits, and indigenous communities, practising at district courts. Preference is given to vernacular speaking lawyers, as this is critical for their relationship with litigants.

It enables women survivors of violence especially from marginalised communities, to access justice with the help of pro bono assistance from women lawyers. Starting with the basic step of making women understand their legal rights by counselling them, these lawyers help to ensure that the voices of the survivors of violence are heard in court.

To date, the fellowship has supported 12 women lawyers from Jharkhand, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam and Tamil Nadu. Through this fundraiser, we want to expand our reach and support at least 4 more women lawyers in their practice. We have identified four dynamic, young women lawyers and are looking for resources to support their fellowship.

To date, a cohort of 11 legal fellows has provided pro bono legal and litigation support to approximately 260 women facing violence.

By supporting 4 more women lawyers we aim to reach at least 100 women and gender non-binary persons with legal and litigation support in the current year. We also aim to generate legal awareness among 200 women and gender non-binary persons.

The funds will help more women lawyers to provide crucial legal support to women in need and empower women with awareness about their legal rights.