Sridevi Gade
The Government of India is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to address critical issues faced by women at the grassroots level. This unique project involves setting up women-only courts in villages as an alternate dispute resolution forum, focusing on key concerns such as domestic violence, property rights, and the patriarchal system.
The objective of these specialized courts is to empower women and provide them with a safe and supportive space to seek justice and resolve disputes. The scheme is set to be launched on a pilot basis in 50 villages each in the states of Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. Testing its result, the scheme will be extended to the entire India.
This pilot phase is scheduled to commence from August this year, allowing the government to assess the effectiveness and impact of the initiative in these specific regions. Following the pilot’s success, the scheme will be extended to other states across the country, aiming to foster gender equality and combat deeply ingrained patriarchal norms.
By establishing women-only courts, the government aims to create an environment where women can share their grievances without fear of discrimination or bias. Domestic violence, which remains a pervasive issue in many households, will be addressed with a gender-sensitive approach, ensuring that victims receive the support and protection they deserve.
Awareness on women’s rights
Additionally, the women-only courts will focus on property rights, as women in rural areas often face challenges in asserting their rightful claims to land and property. The courts will act as a platform to educate women about their rights and offer legal assistance to protect their interests.
The initiative also seeks to challenge the patriarchal system that has long suppressed women’s voices and perpetuated gender-based inequalities. By providing women with access to a dedicated court system, the government aims to break down societal barriers and promote gender justice.
To ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious project, the government will collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and women’s rights organizations. These partnerships will be instrumental in raising awareness. about the initiative, identifying cases that require urgent attention, and fostering community support for the courts.
The women-only courts will be staffed with female judges and legal experts, enabling an empathetic understanding of women’s issues and creating an inclusive space for all female litigants. Additionally, the courts will offer counseling services and support for survivors of domestic violence, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Community volunteers will be trained
Furthermore, the initiative aims to train grassroots-level workers, including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and community volunteers, to identify and report cases of domestic violence and other gender-related issues.
These frontline workers will play a vital role in connecting women with the appropriate legal resources and support services. By focusing on village-level implementation, the government aims to ensure that even women in the remotest areas have access to justice. The initiative recognizes the significance of local governance and intends to collaborate with village Panchayats to promote women’s participation and representation in decision-making processes.
The scheme’s success will be monitored through comprehensive evaluation and feedback mechanisms, enabling the government to make necessary improvements and adjustments during the pilot phase and future expansion.
The launch of women-only courts reflects the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality. It signifies a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to resolving gender-based issues and reflects a progressive step towards building an inclusive and just society for all.
The impact of this initiative is expected to extend beyond legal proceedings, fostering social change and challenging deep-rooted gender norms that have hindered women’s progress for generations. By providing women with a voice, agency, and recourse to justice, the initiative seeks to create a more equitable and secure environment for women across the nation.
(Sridevi Gade is a High Court lawyer from Hyderabad and regular writer to Excel India)
