FICCI launches cell to educate women on their legal rights

CHENNAI: The next time you find yourself tangled in a legal battle concerning matrimony or succession, you can avail first-hand advice. FLO, a division of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI), has launched a legal and advocacy cell -- a pan-Indian attempt to empower women and sensitise them in their knowledge and understanding of laws relevant to their rights.
The cell in Chennai was launched last week with a series of workshops on how to file an FIR, awareness of matrimonial laws, succession and will. It was followed by comprehensive sessions by Jayanthi Natarajan and Justice M Sundar.
“The purpose of this cell is two-fold: firstly, everyone should know their rights and entitlement, and secondary, we as a chamber, want to make important policy suggestions. Pan-India, we found that there were gaps; while laws are available and there are several women who use them to their benefit, they don’t always percolate down. This legal and advocacy cell is an attempt to understand that gap and bridge it,” said Sudha Shivkumar, chairperson, FICCI FLO Chennai.