28th March, 2026 : The First Convenor’s Meeting for 'Courts of Women', an initiative by Vimochana, Bangalore.

Adv. Archana Casmir, Legal Awareness Coordinator from Dhwani Legal Trust was invited to participate in the first Convenor’s Meeting for Courts of Women, an initiative led by Vimochana, Bangalore. The meeting marked an important step in collectively reimagining accessible, community-driven spaces for addressing gender-based injustices, outside the constraints of formal legal systems.

The convenor’s meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including women’s rights activists, legal practitioners, community organisers, and representatives from grassroots collectives. The primary objective was to initiate a dialogue on the vision and framework of Courts of Women, spaces envisioned as alternative forums rooted in feminist principles, community participation, and restorative justice.

Discussions during the meeting focused on defining the purpose and scope of these courts. Participants reflected on the limitations of the formal justice system, particularly in addressing the lived realities of women facing violence, discrimination, and systemic marginalisation. There was a shared recognition that many women, especially those from vulnerable communities, experience barriers such as lack of access, fear of stigma, procedural delays, and institutional bias when approaching formal courts.

In this context, the idea of Courts of Women was explored as a transformative intervention—one that prioritises voice, dignity, and collective accountability. Conversations highlighted how such forums could function as safe spaces where women can narrate their experiences, seek support, and demand justice in ways that are empathetic and non-intimidating. The emphasis was placed on creating processes that are survivor-centric, participatory, and culturally sensitive.

Themes for the proposed Courts of Women were also discussed, with a focus on addressing issues such as domestic violence, workplace harassment, caste-based discrimination, economic exploitation, and violations of bodily autonomy. There was an emphasis on intersectionality, ensuring that the forums remain inclusive of diverse identities and experiences.

Archana contributed to the discussions by bringing in her experience in legal awareness and community engagement through Dhwani Legal Trust. She emphasised the need to bridge the gap between community-based justice mechanisms and formal legal remedies, ensuring that women are not only heard but also supported in accessing their legal rights where necessary. She also highlighted the importance of capacity-building for convenors and the need for sustained engagement with communities.

Overall, the convenor’s meeting was a significant step towards strengthening community-led approaches to justice, reaffirming the role of solidarity, dialogue, and collective action in addressing deeply entrenched gender inequalities.