New Support Centre for Rural Women Inaugurated at Chanakya National Law University
A significant initiative aimed at empowering rural women and strengthening their access to justice was launched at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna on Sunday, coinciding with International Women's Day. The new facility, named Jeevika–Didi ki Awaaz Kendra, represents a collaborative effort between the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEViKA) and the Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership (PFEL).
Coordinating Complaints and Ensuring Justice
The primary objective of the Didi ki Awaaz Kendra is to coordinate the resolution of complaints and issues received from rural women across Bihar. This centre will function as a centralized hub where grievances can be registered, documented, and addressed systematically. The Gender Resource Centre (GRC) and the Legal Aid Cell of CNLU will serve as the coordinating units for this initiative, ensuring that legal support and resources are readily accessible.
During the inaugural session, two rural women shared their personal experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of such support systems. Ruby didi from Bhagalpur and Sulekha didi from Patna emphasized how Didi Adhikar Kendras play a crucial role in informing women about their rights, facilitating grievance registration, and ensuring timely access to justice. Their testimonies underscored the practical benefits of these centres in addressing everyday challenges faced by rural communities.
Institutional Collaboration for Social Change
CNLU registrar S P Singh stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in protecting the rights of rural women and improving their access to legal support. He expressed pride in the university's contribution to this initiative, noting that it aligns with broader goals of driving positive social change and promoting gender equality. Singh highlighted that such partnerships are essential for creating sustainable mechanisms that can effectively address systemic issues.
Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma elaborated on the operational framework, explaining that the Didi Adhikar Kendra and Didi ki Awaaz Kendra together will establish a robust institutional mechanism. This integrated approach ensures that women's problems are not only heard and documented but also actively addressed by linking them with relevant agencies and legal authorities. Sharma emphasized that this dual-centre model enhances accountability and streamlines the process of justice delivery.
Vote of Thanks and Future Prospects
State project manager Neeraj Kumar delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders involved in launching the centre. He reiterated the commitment to ongoing support and expansion of services to reach more women in rural areas. The inauguration marks a pivotal step in Bihar's efforts to bridge the gap between rural women and the justice system, leveraging educational institutions and non-governmental organizations to foster empowerment.
The establishment of Jeevika–Didi ki Awaaz Kendra at CNLU Patna is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the state, promoting a more inclusive and responsive legal framework for women. By combining resources from JEEViKA and PFEL, this centre aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of rural women, ensuring their voices are amplified and their rights protected.
