Project Background and Problem Statement

Access to free legal service is an essential right that ensures justice and equity in society, yet marginalized communities in Bangladesh, especially women and children, face numerous barriers to accessing legal aid. Economic hardship, lack of awareness about women’s rights in Bangladesh, societal stigmas, and systemic inequalities often discourage individuals from seeking legal assistance.

Issues such as violence against women, domestic abuse, child rights violations, and property disputes remain unresolved due to inaccessible legal aid systems. To address these pressing challenges, the Free Legal Service (FLS) project was launched with support from the Bangladesh NGO Foundation. This project provides free legal aid to vulnerable groups in the slum areas of Kushtia Municipality, ensuring their access to justice while empowering them to protect their legal rights.

The project also prioritizes awareness creation and community mobilization to challenge cultural norms that hinder justice. By building local support networks and offering legal education, the project bridges the gap between marginalized communities and the legal system.

FAIR successfully implemented this project with financial support from the Bangladesh NGO Foundation in 2015 and 2016. However, since 2017, FAIR has continued the project using its own resources, demonstrating its commitment to sustaining free legal aid services and ensuring continued access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Project Rationale

Access to free legal service is crucial for ensuring justice and equality, yet marginalized groups in Bangladesh, particularly women and children in slum areas, face systemic barriers. Economic hardship, lack of awareness of legal rights, and cultural stigmas prevent many from seeking justice. Existing systems often fail to reach these vulnerable communities due to high costs, limited resources, and weak outreach.

The Free Legal Service (FLS) project addresses these challenges by providing comprehensive legal aid, raising awareness, and empowering communities through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community-led initiatives. By combining legal support with education, the project not only resolves disputes but also fosters a culture of justice and equality.

Supported by the Bangladesh NGO Foundation, this initiative aims to promote women’s rights in Bangladesh, ensuring victims of violence against women and other rights violations have the tools and resources to secure justice and dignity. With FAIR taking full ownership of the project since 2017, it continues to make a significant impact by offering legal aid in Bangladesh, strengthening legal awareness, and reinforcing community-driven justice solutions.

Project Objectives

Primary Goal:

To ensure justice and empowerment for marginalized women and children through free legal services, mediation, and community-based legal education.

Specific Objectives:

1. Improve access to free legal aid for women and children in vulnerable communities.
2. Promote awareness of women’s legal rights and available support systems.
3. Strengthen community-level mechanisms for dispute resolution and justice delivery.

Target Groups

• Marginalized women, children, and vulnerable groups in Kushtia Municipality slums.
• Local community leaders, professional groups, and advocacy networks.

Project Duration

• October 2014 – Ongoing

Working Areas

• Kushtia Sadar Upazila

Key Activities

1. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Complaint Receipt: Collecting grievances from victims of violence against women and other rights violations.
• Fact-Finding: Investigating cases to gather relevant evidence and context.
• Mediation/Shalish: Resolving disputes through community-based interventions to promote harmony.
• Counseling: Providing emotional and legal guidance to support victims.

2. Legal Aid and Representation

• Filing Court Cases: For disputes that cannot be resolved through ADR, cases are filed in court with free legal service support.
• Rescuing Victims: Addressing emergencies involving violence, trafficking, or abuse to ensure victims’ safety and security.

3. Awareness and Education

• Door-to-Door Visits: Engaging directly with community members to inform them about women’s legal rights and the availability of free legal aid.
• Courtyard Sessions: Conducting regular awareness programs to educate communities on gender equality, legal processes, and dispute resolution.
• IEC Material Distribution: Disseminating stickers, leaflets, and other informational resources to raise awareness about legal aid services.

4. Community Mobilization

• Formation of Change Agent Groups: Establishing 10 groups with 10 members each to act as community advocates for justice and equality.
• Women and Child Protection Groups: Bringing together 24 professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop strategies for protecting vulnerable populations.
• Strategy Meetings: Organizing regular meetings to refine intervention approaches and address emerging issues.

Key Achievements

1. Enhanced Access to Legal Aid: Empowered marginalized groups to access free legal services, enabling them to seek justice effectively.
2. Strengthened Dispute Resolution: Resolved numerous disputes through ADR, fostering community harmony and reducing reliance on formal legal systems.
3. Community Awareness: Improved understanding of legal rights through extensive awareness campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and educational sessions.
4. Victim Support: Ensured protection, counseling, and advocacy for victims of violence against women and other rights violations.
5. Empowered Change Agents: Mobilized local groups to act as advocates for justice and equality within their communities.

Challenges Faced

1. Cultural Resistance: Deep-rooted societal norms often discourage victims from seeking justice or participating in ADR processes.
2. Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources impact the project’s ability to expand services.
3. Resistance to Change: Some community members are reluctant to engage with legal systems or adopt new conflict-resolution methods.

Lessons Learned

1. Community Leadership is Key: Empowering local groups enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of free legal service initiatives.
2. Holistic Interventions Work: Combining legal aid with awareness and education ensures long-term impact.
3. Regular Engagement is Crucial: Ongoing communication and follow-up with beneficiaries build trust and improve outcomes.

Conclusion

The Free Legal Service (FLS) project represents a transformative step toward ensuring justice and empowerment for marginalized communities in Kushtia. By offering free legal aid, fostering awareness of women’s legal rights, and building community networks, the project has empowered countless individuals to claim their rights and address disputes effectively.

Despite facing cultural and logistical challenges, the project continues to create lasting change through its commitment to justice, equality, and community mobilization. Future efforts will focus on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and refining strategies to enhance the reach and impact of the initiative.

Call to Action

Join us in promoting justice and equity through free legal services. Contact us today to learn how you can support the FLS project and help create a society where everyone can access justice and protect their rights!