In a groundbreaking move toward gender-sensitive justice, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, has announced that the state will soon establish a court operated entirely by women. This initiative aims to provide a safer and more supportive environment for survivors of crimes against women, ensuring that they can seek justice without fear or intimidation.
A Court Exclusively Run by Women
Speaking at the second foundation day celebration of Odisha Women in Media (OWM) in Bhubaneswar, Parida emphasized the importance of creating a judiciary system that understands and empathizes with survivors of gender-based violence. The proposed court will be staffed entirely by women, including judges, lawyers, clerks, and administrative personnel.
The primary goal is to empower survivors of sexual assault by allowing them to testify in a space where they feel comfortable and understood. The presence of an all-women staff is expected to reduce the hesitation many survivors feel when recounting their experiences in court.
The Role of the Shakti App in Legal Proceedings
In addition to the women-operated court, the Odisha government has also introduced a digital tool to support survivors. Parida highlighted the state’s Shakti App, launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, as a crucial step in streamlining the legal process.
The app allows survivors to record their testimonies digitally, which can later be submitted as evidence in court. This not only speeds up legal proceedings but also minimizes the emotional distress survivors often endure when they have to repeat their accounts multiple times to police officers, medical personnel, and judges.
Enhancing Public Safety Through Media Collaboration
Beyond the judicial and technological advancements, Pravati Parida has urged women journalists to take an active role in improving public safety. She called on media professionals to conduct year-long safety audits of public spaces in their cities. These audits would assess areas that may pose risks to women’s safety, helping policymakers take targeted action to enhance security measures.
Parida also encouraged the OWM, a 200-member media collective, to play a greater role in mentoring young women journalists from underprivileged backgrounds. By providing training and guidance, the media community can contribute to a more gender-inclusive and skilled journalism workforce.
A Progressive Step for Women’s Rights
The establishment of a fully women-operated court, combined with technological solutions like the Shakti App and community-driven safety audits, marks a significant step forward in Odisha’s approach to women’s rights and justice. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to not only address crimes against women but also to reshape the systems that handle such cases, ensuring survivors feel safe, heard, and empowered.
