Empowering Women: Legal Victories Demand Structural Support

The legal case against former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna has highlighted the challenges faced by women seeking justice in India. A 47-year-old domestic worker, lacking wealth and connections, has stood firm against a powerful political figure and a system that often favours the affluent. Her determination to pursue justice, despite facing significant legal and social pressures, exemplifies a broader struggle for women’s empowerment that extends beyond mere rhetoric.

Understanding the Landscape of Empowerment

India frequently celebrates women in leadership roles through magazine features, conferences, and awards. Yet, when a woman without privilege confronts powerful adversaries in court, her story often fades into obscurity. This domestic worker is not merely challenging systemic abuse; her actions serve as a crucial public service, reinforcing the principles of justice for all women. Her victory, while significant, poses broader questions about the societal and governmental support available for women who emerge from such battles.

Despite the media attention surrounding high-profile verdicts, the aftermath for these women often involves returning to environments where they risk further abuse. They may encounter social stigmas, job loss, or significant financial burdens stemming from their legal battles. The path to genuine empowerment must include adequate support systems that extend beyond courtroom victories.

Proposed Solutions for Lasting Change

To bolster the fight for justice and empowerment, several key measures are necessary:

1. **State-Funded Survivor Compensation Schemes**: Just as financial compensation exists for victims of terrorism or industrial accidents, similar schemes should be implemented for women who confront powerful figures. This compensation should not only cover legal expenses but also provide a minimum stability period to help them rebuild their lives.

2. **Dedicated Legal Aid Cells**: Women often face financial ruin due to the costly legal process. Establishing specialized litigation cells with professional advocates and victim support officers, funded at levels comparable to public prosecutors, can ensure that survivors receive the legal support they require.

3. **Guaranteed Employment Pathways**: Governments and corporations should create direct employment opportunities for survivors of abuse and harassment. This initiative would help reintegrate them into society and offer stability as they recover from their experiences.

4. **Psychological Support and Trauma Recovery**: Access to long-term counselling and therapy must be treated as a fundamental right for survivors. State funding, supplemented by corporate social responsibility initiatives, can facilitate necessary support for mental health.

5. **Institutionalising Survivor Expertise**: Women who have overcome intimidation and legal hurdles can provide invaluable guidance to others facing similar situations. Training them as counsellors in police stations and as mentors in legal education programs will help demystify the justice process and ensure that their experiences inform future policy-making.

Recognising the courage of these women in tangible ways can reshape societal perceptions of empowerment. Supporting them visibly sends a message that the state stands with those who resist oppression and that silencing them carries a cost.

As society evolves, the imperative to support women fighting for justice must be a collective responsibility. This involves not just applauding their bravery but also ensuring their futures are secure through comprehensive support systems. The fight for empowerment must shift from mere declarations to actionable commitments that hold the promise of real change.

Apsara Reddy, an AIADMK spokesperson, highlights that empowerment should not just be declared but delivered through meaningful, structured support for those who dare to challenge the status quo. Only then can we truly say that we have fostered an environment where justice prevails and empowerment is a reality for all.