Women Helping Women- A community redressal mechanism to prevent domestic violence.

The concept of Mahila Panchayats is based on a traditional form of community organisation for social justice. These women’s courts have radically changed the caste, and gender discrimination found in the structures of our “Biradari and Gram Panchayats”, with a woman's perspective. The Mahila Panchayat is not an alternative to the legal system. It is an effective forum for dispute resolution preventing the need for legal intervention. In the case of divorce or property dispute, legal aid is needed to legalise the procedures. Started in 1994, the Mahila Panchayat provides a space to concerned parties to speak openly and negotiate settlements on their own terms. The women speak without fear knowing they are not alone. The men also respect and comply with the agreement made mutually in the presence of the Mahila Panchayat. The women’s court is known to be impartial and fair to both parties, rooted in a firm belief in gender equality.

We aim to address domestic violence and various other forms of gender-based violence in selected communities through this programme. Considering the multifaceted nature of violence and how identities are central to it, this programme adopts an inclusive, intersectional and survivor-centric approach towards eliminating it. This approach takes into account the intersectional forms of violence faced by not only women but also other sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities. Aligning with UN SDG - 5 (gender equality and empowering women and girls), we aim to contribute towards efforts for addressing gender-based violence particularly against women from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.