Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes facilitated by Brac have not only helped ensure justice for the marginalised people, but also been a catalyst in bringing an increase in their income, a recent study shows, reports UNB. The ADR is helping resolve issues regarding denmohor and divorce between married couples, which has its consequential positive impact on increasing women’s participation in income-generation activities.
In particular, engagement of women, who have endured domestic violence, in economic activities has risen from previous 13 per cent to 22.3 per cent. Among the major reasons behind this inspiring development are: victims have become increasingly aware about the value of their selves as well as better informed of a higher standard of life. Also, the compensations they received from their tormentors are invested for income generation. These were revealed on Saturday at a discussion styled ‘Access to justice and the sustainability of legal aid’. BRAC and The Daily Star organised the discussion in the city. Justice Dr Syed Rifaat Ahmed attended the programme as the chief guest. The Daily Star’s special supplements editor Shahnoor Wahid, BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED) coordinator Andrew Jenkins and Senior research associate of RED Rumana Ali also spoke. The survey was conducted in 19 districts with a total of 386 respondents - 193 women and 193 men, said a press release. Justice Dr Syed Rifaat Ahmed said policymakers’ involvement must be strengthened for better delivery of justice to the marginalised people. He emphasised that information about the existing legal aid services delivered by the government need to be reached to the poor and marginalised people.