4th March, 2026 : Doordarshan- Interaction with women on Rights of Women and Legal Framework on the Occasion of International Women's Day.

The Founder-Executive Director of Dhwani Legal Trust, Adv Ashwini Obulesh was invited by Doordarshan Chandana for an interactive discussion on the occasion of celebrating International Women’s Day. This discussion focused on women’s rights, legal protections, and the challenges faced by women in society. The programme aimed to create awareness about the legal framework available for the protection and empowerment of women, while also providing a platform for women participants to raise concerns related to gender justice and social welfare.

During the interaction, concerns were raised regarding the social and legal challenges faced by Devadasi women and their children. One of the participants highlighted the difficulties encountered in official documentation where the father’s name is mandatorily required in records. She also spoke about how these children often face shame when they are asked about their fathers. The speaker went on to explain it was how unfortunate not to have direct laws to curb such discrimination meted out to the vulnerable sections of our society- Women and Children.

Another key concern discussed was the exploitation and portrayal of women in media. One participant who was a doctor questioned about the media accountability, gender-sensitive content, and adherence to ethical standards in the portrayal of women. The speaker expressed the need for responsible and ethical media representation, highlighting that negative stereotypes and objectification can perpetuate gender inequality.

There were also concerns regarding the speedy disposals of the cases especially in cases of rape and other offences relating to women. Ashwini emphasised the fact that speedy disposal of cases is not healthy as they require thorough investigation. But that does not mean cases can go on for years. The legal system needs to strike a balance and arrive at disposal of cases in a reasonable time frame.

The programme also focused on the legal safeguards available for women in India, including laws addressing exploitation, discrimination, and violence- POSH. The Doordarshan interaction served as an important platform for dialogue on legal awareness, and access to justice was emphasized, particularly for women from marginalized and vulnerable communities. This programme contributed to ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, dignity, and social justice.