At a major national symposium, a distinguished legal expert powerfully advocated for mediation as a critical instrument for women's empowerment within the justice system. The event, held in Sancoale, saw senior advocate and Padma Shri awardee Norma Alvares deliver a compelling address on Friday, focusing on how mediation transforms dispute resolution for women.
Mediation: A Voice for Women in a Patriarchal System
Speaking from a woman's perspective during the plenary session, Alvares positioned mediation as an essential pillar of justice. She described it as a process that creates a space where individuals are genuinely heard, respected, and supported in finding their own solutions. "Mediation gives women a voice," Alvares stated emphatically. She explained that it allows women to speak for themselves directly, moving away from aggressive legal tactics that can often silence or intimidate them. She pointed out that traditional legal representation sometimes fails to convey what a woman truly wishes to communicate in sensitive disputes.
Alvares stressed that for women, legal conflicts involving matrimonial issues, family matters, workplace problems, and inheritance are far from being abstract theoretical problems. These disputes carry deep personal stakes, profoundly impacting their safety, children, dignity, relationships, and future prospects. She highlighted the "emotional and social consequences that go far beyond the courtroom," a reality often overlooked in conventional litigation.
Addressing Power Imbalances Through Dialogue
The veteran advocate critically examined the inherent power dynamics in a patriarchal society, where power often rests with men, husbands, in-laws, bosses, and sometimes even within the judiciary. "Do they understand what a woman is going through to pluck up the courage to bring this dispute into the fore for resolution?" she questioned. According to Alvares, mediation directly confronts these entrenched imbalances. It attempts to create a more level playing field by fostering constructive dialogue between the parties involved.
This approach, she argued, leads to tangible benefits for women. "For women, mediation means not only quicker resolution of disputes and reduced trauma, but outcomes that enable us to move forward with dignity," Alvares said. In a world where women continually strive for equal access to justice, she framed mediation not just as a procedure, but as a genuine tool of empowerment.
A Symbol of Compassionate Justice and Hope
Concluding her address, Norma Alvares presented a vision of a more humane legal system. She described mediation as a reminder that the law can be compassionate and that justice can be achieved without destructive ends. "Mediation is a symbol of wisdom and hope for the future," she affirmed, leaving the audience with a powerful, optimistic note on reforming dispute resolution.
The plenary session, which formed a key part of the national symposium on mediation, was chaired by Justice P Sam Koshy from the High Court of Telangana. The event brought together legal minds to discuss and promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across the country.
