"Project Mashaal: Towards Women Empowerment": DSLSA'S Week-Long Pan-Delhi Project

Scope of the Project:

The theme for the International Women's Day, 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” Delving into the legal dimensions pertinent to this theme unveils critical aspects such as equal pay legislation, maternity benefits, legal safeguards against gender-based violence, and avenues for redressing gender-based discrimination. By diligently addressing these legal dimensions and fortifying enforcement mechanisms, societies can expedite the journey towards gender parity, thereby reaping the manifold social, economic, and cultural dividends that stem from investing in women. This year, DSLSA endeavored to observe the International Women's Day through a week-long celebration, spanning from 1st to 7th March, 2024. The overarching objective is to promote a culture of inclusivity and deepen legal literacy, with a particular focus on women. The project encompasses diverse activities ranging from awareness sessions to multi legal services camps, aimed at bridging the gap between the law and the women of today, thus, investing in their progress.

“Empowering Initiatives”: A Blueprint of Purposeful Programs and Dynamic Activities:

• Day 1 (01.03.2024): Legal Awareness Sessions were organized on a massive scale targeting women at various key locations:

a. Communities: These sessions were conducted in coordination with Mahila Panchayats and Anganwadi Workers to reach women at the grassroots level where they reside.

b. Schools/Colleges: Educational institutions serve as crucial platforms for imparting legal awareness to young women. Sessions were conducted in schools and colleges to empower students with essential knowledge about their rights, laws related to women's issues, and avenues for seeking legal assistance.

c. Rain Basera: Legal awareness sessions were organized at shelters like Rain Basera, which provide temporary accommodation to homeless women. These sessions offer practical guidance on accessing legal aid and support services available to them.

d. Jails, Observation Homes, Nirmal Chhaya, Children Homes, etc.: Women in correctional facilities and shelters are often in vulnerable situations and may lack awareness of their legal rights. Specialized sessions were conducted in these institutions to educate inmates and residents about their legal entitlements, avenues for legal assistance, and mechanisms for seeking redressal in case of rights violations.

Central-II DLSA, organized a legal awareness session on the topic “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005” for women at Saheli Samnavay Kendra -341 at 6243 Pakki Gali, Bara Hindu Rao, New Delhi. Approximately, 30 women participated in the session. Further, a legal awareness session on the topic “Mental Health Act and Personal Hygiene” was organized by Central-II, DLSA, at Saheli Samnavay Kendra- 340 at 8355 Katra Gouri Shankar, Filmistan, New Delhi. Approximately 35 women participated in the session.

• Day 3 (03.03.2024): Multi Legal Services Camps were organized with the objective of providing multiple legal services under one roof. The following were some services included in these camps:

a. Establishment of legal aid help desks to provide assistance and guidance on legal matters.

b. Provision of free medical facilities with a focus on women's health issues.

c. Assistance with obtaining important documents such as Aadhar cards, voter cards, and labour cards.

d. Help desks for the Special Police Unit for Women & Child to address concerns related to safety and protection.

e. Distribution of sanitary kits to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure access to essential hygiene products.

Central DLSA organized a Special Camp, for women, youth electors and residents/general public wherein Legal Help Desk, Voter ID Card Desk and Welfare Desk were set up. The Special Camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 300-350 people visiting throughout the day. Approximately, 115 individuals availed themselves of services at the Voter ID Card Desk, registering for enrollment or updating of their voter ID cards. Women turned up in large numbers, alongside other family members. Innovative Efforts were made to reach out to women at workplaces, societies, and even at beauty salons.

Central II DLSA, organized a Mega Legal Services Camp for general public and Labourers of Dayabasti, at Shiv Mandir, RPF Colony, Dayabasti, New Delhi.

• Day 4 (04.03.2024): Self-defence training programs were organized with the aim of making women more confident and self-reliant by empowering them to defend themselves in times of danger or physical assault.
• Day 5 (05.03.2024): This day shall be dedicated for the rights of sex workers to lead a dignified life. Legal aid and awareness programs, as well as services such as making Aadhar cards, will be organized for sex workers in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs in the areas where they reside. These dedicated sessions will address the specific needs and challenges faced by sex workers, ensuring they have access to essential legal services and support.
• Day 6 (06.03.2024): Emphasis will be placed on making women digitally aware through sessions covering topics:

a. Understanding ways to safeguard against cybercrime, including tips on protecting personal information online and recognizing common online scams.

b. Promoting financial literacy and educating women on the use of online modes of payment such as UPI (Unified Payments Interface), emphasizing safe practices for online transactions.

c. Raising awareness about Legal Services Authorities through digital platforms such as social media handles of DSLSA (Delhi State Legal Services Authority), including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, to inform women about available legal services and resources.

d. Providing guidance on filing online applications for legal aid, empowering women to access legal assistance conveniently through digital platforms.

• Day 7 (07.03.2024): Awareness sessions on various government welfare schemes, especially those providing financial assistance, will be organized in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs to empower women towards self- reliance. These sessions will include:

a. Providing information on various government schemes aimed at women's welfare;

b. Providing insights into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities offered by government schemes.

In addition to the day-wise activities listed, the following common activities will be organized throughout the week-long celebration:

a. Distribution of sanitary kits to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure access to essential hygiene products for women.

b.  Awareness sessions disseminating knowledge about the benefits, roles, and powers of becoming Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), including information on how to enroll as a PLV.

c. Capacity building programs for Legal Services Advocates and Para Legal Volunteers to enhance their skills and effectiveness in providing legal assistance.

d. Door-to-door campaign conducted by PLVs and Legal Services Authorities (LSAs) to reach out to communities and raise awareness about legal rights and available services.

e. “Legal Aid on wheels” initiative to provide legal assistance and guidance to underserved communities in remote areas, ensuring access to justice for all.

f. Setting up of legal aid help desks at public places such as women's colleges, working hostels for women, hospitals, etc., to provide convenient access to legal assistance and information for women in need.

Inauguration Ceremony of Project “मशाल":