9.3pc more engage in income activities

A recent study has found that 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.

The findings of the survey, conducted in 2014 on 193 marginalised women who have got access to justice through BRAC’s ADR process after enduring domestic violence, at a discussion held on Saturday in the city.

Speakers at the discussion, titled ‘Access to Justice and the Sustainability of Legal Aid’, organised by BRAC and a local daily, said engagement in the income-generating activities by the women who have been benefitted by the ADR facilities marked a 9.3pc rise in three years ending 2014. Quoting data and information contained in the finding of the research, they stated that the number of the marginalised women in income generating activities increased to 22.3 per cent in 2014 from 13 per cent in 2011.

The study was conducted on the victims of domestic violence who came under BRAC’s ADR programme in the year 2010 and 2011, and started to receive benefit thereafter until 2014, according to a press release.

It says the ADR is helping resolve issues regarding denmohor (endowment) and divorce between married couples, which has its consequential positive impact on increasing women’s participation in income-generation activities and economic activities.

BRAC’s Research and Evaluation Division (RED) Coordinator Andrew Jenkins delivered the welcome speech at the discussion, attended by Justice Dr Syed Rifaat Ahmed as the chief guest.

Senior Research Associate of RED Rumana Ali gave the keynote presentation on ‘Impact assessment of HRLS: Alternative dispute resolution’.

Syeda Sitwat Shahed, also Senior Research Associate, RED, gave another presentation on ‘Understanding civil society contributions to access to justice and analysis of BRAC HRLS’. Senior advocate AF Hassan Arif, director of National Legal Aid Services Organisation Malik Abdullah Al-Amin and Barrister Sarah Hossain also spoke at the discussion, moderated by KAM Morshed, director, technology and partnership strengthening unit.