Mandya Judge Highlights Legal Awareness as Cornerstone of Women's Empowerment
Principal District and Sessions Judge Subramanya JN, speaking in Mandya on Friday, delivered a powerful message on the indispensable role of legal awareness in empowering women and enabling them to assert their rights within society. His remarks came during the inauguration of a significant district-level workshop focused on the prevention of gender-based violence.
Workshop Inaugurated on International Women's Day 2026
The event was held at the Cauvery Hall of the Mandya Zilla Panchayat and was organized as a collaborative effort by the district administration, the zilla panchayat, and the District Legal Services Authority. This workshop was specifically timed to coincide with the observance of International Women's Day 2026, underscoring its commitment to advancing women's rights and safety.
Judge Subramanya pointed to the increasing representation of women in the judiciary as a tangible reflection of the growing strength of 'Nari Shakti' or women's power. He provided a concrete example, noting that currently, 13 women are serving as principal district judges across the 31 districts in the state. This statistic, he asserted, demonstrates the significant and commendable progress women have made in penetrating and excelling within the legal profession.
Empowering Grassroots Workers with Legal Knowledge
A key focus of his address was the critical role of Local Community Resource Persons (LCRPs). These individuals, who operate under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), were urged to acquire comprehensive knowledge about women's rights and the relevant legal provisions. Judge Subramanya emphasized that such knowledge is essential for LCRPs to effectively guide, support, and empower women in rural communities, ensuring they can navigate legal systems and claim their entitlements.
Echoing the importance of these grassroots workers, Zilla Panchayat CEO KR Nandini elaborated on their multifaceted role. She highlighted that LCRPs are instrumental in creating 'pad-free panchayats' by promoting the use of menstrual cups and by organizing self-help groups specifically for adolescent girls and women, thereby addressing both health and economic empowerment.
Call for Social Awareness and Worker Security
Senior Civil Judge M Anand contributed to the discourse by observing that while the Constitution provides a robust framework of laws designed to safeguard women, these legal protections alone are insufficient. He stressed that parallel efforts in social awareness and education are equally vital to dismantle deep-seated prejudices and achieve genuine gender equality in practice.
Adding another dimension to the workshop's agenda, District Labour Officer Savitha addressed the gathering on the topic of financial security for workers. She spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan pension scheme, actively urging workers in the unorganised sector to enrol in this government programme. Her appeal focused on the importance of securing a stable financial future, which is a fundamental aspect of overall empowerment and dignity.
The workshop in Mandya served as a comprehensive platform, linking legal empowerment, grassroots activism, social education, and economic security as interconnected pillars essential for the holistic advancement and protection of women's rights in society.
