Legal Empowerment & Protection Initiatives | Ladli Foundation

2. Our Flagship Legal Literacy Programs

We operate four primary programs that cater to different vulnerable groups while keeping gender justice and rights-based empowerment at the centre.

• a) Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Workshops

  Educating women on laws designed to protect them is the foundation of our outreach. These workshops focus on:

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

  • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA)

  • POSH Act (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace)

  Using impactful Nukkad Nataks (street plays), testimonials, and case simulations, we spark dialogue and awareness within entire communities. These efforts encourage not just survivors, but also bystanders, to act.

  Impact:

  • 1,000+ women and girls sensitised to their legal rights

  • 300+ survivors directly connected to legal aid, shelters, and emotional support systems

  We also conduct follow-up visits and assessments to ensure that each workshop results in actionable change. In many instances, local women have gone on to become champions of the cause within their neighbourhoods, forming watch groups and safety circles.

• b) Child Protection & POCSO Awareness

  Under the POCSO Act, our sessions create safe, informed spaces for children, parents, and educators. Core interventions include:

  • Teaching children about safe and unsafe touch

  • Educating on consent, privacy, and bodily autonomy

  • Legal training for teachers and parents on mandatory reporting (Sec 19, 21 of POCSO Act)

  • Creating networks of Child Rights Ambassadors among students

  More than 200 children have been sensitised so far. These ambassadors now act as peer counsellors and first responders within their schools. Additionally, Ladli Foundation has begun developing storytelling-based kits to help younger children grasp these concepts in non-intimidating ways.

• c) Programme Swabhimaan: Justice with Dignity

  Swabhimaan, meaning self-respect, is a comprehensive initiative that combines legal education, survivor support, and social advocacy. Key components include:

  • Confidential legal counselling sessions with trained legal advisors

  • Gender sensitisation drives across schools, police stations, and community hubs

  • Engagement with youth to create community-based advocates

  • High-level legal representation via affiliated High Court and Supreme Court lawyers

  Swabhimaan ensures every survivor receives dignified, personalised support—helping them regain control over their lives. Through regular support groups and legal follow-ups, we’ve seen several women return as peer mentors for newer participants.

• d) Know Your Rights Campaign

  This initiative promotes accessible, actionable legal knowledge for all, regardless of literacy or socioeconomic status. Topics covered:

  • Rights under IPC, JJ Act, PWDVA, and the Indian Constitution

  • Step-by-step processes to file FIRs, seek legal counsel, and navigate court procedures

  • Helpline information: 181 (women), 112 (emergency), 1098 (children)

  Delivered through visual aids, community talks, and mobile learning units, the campaign ensures even those with limited formal education can advocate for themselves and others. Our "Rights on Wheels" vans deliver legal literacy kits to remote communities, ensuring no one is left behind.

3. How We Make It Work on the Ground

• a) Community-Based Legal Workshops

  Legal sessions are hosted in anganwadi centres, schools, panchayat halls, and local community centres. Every workshop is:

  • 300+ survivors directly connected to legal aid, shelters, and emotional support systems

  • Supported by storyboards and illustrations

  • Tailored to the audience’s age, gender, and social background

  This inclusive approach ensures maximum comprehension and encourages dialogue among community members. We've also introduced "Legal Wall Art" in village centres to reinforce key messages in a visual and permanent manner.

• b) Confidential Legal Aid & Counselling

  We offer private one-on-one consultations with trained legal professionals and counsellors. These sessions allow survivors to:

  • Understand their rights and legal options

  • Document their cases in a safe and supportive space

  • Receive referrals to shelters, mental health services, and DLSA legal aid providers

  Each session is documented for follow-up, and where possible, accompanied by a female caseworker to ease access and trust.

• c) Peer-Led Leadership Model

  Our strength lies in community ownership. We train:

  • Youth Legal Ambassadors

  • Gender Justice Champions

  These individuals lead hyper-local awareness sessions, provide referral support, and track local cases. Their presence reduces dependency on external actors and builds grassroots resilience. Many of our champions have also taken up roles in local governance bodies, further embedding rights discourse in decision-making.

• d) Practical Legal Curriculum

  Our structured legal education materials include:

  • Law-specific booklets simplified into visuals

  • Templates for complaints, affidavits, and FIRs

  • Walkthroughs of helpline protocols and what to expect in court

  These materials are adapted regularly based on community feedback and legislative changes. QR codes on posters allow participants to access updated resources anytime.