Legal Aid for Women
AIL opened its first Legal Aid for Women Center in Herat in 2015. Working cooperatively with the Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC), AIL now provides legal advice to indigent women. There are 5 experienced, female lawyers housed in the AIL office building. The clients include those referred by MOWA and HRC, as well as women who hear about the center on the radio or through other means. The lawyers host regular broadcasts on Dr. Yacoobi’s private Radio Meraj to inform people about legal matters, the law and women of their rights and the center’s services.
As with other AIL projects, women are not turned away because of a lack of financial means. Those women with no financial resources are represented for free; others pay as they are able. “Thanks to AIL’s training in leadership and human rights, Afghan women have become aware of their rights as women and are seeking ways to secure those rights,” said Dr. Yacoobi. “However, many women do not have the funds or support to pursue their goals. This center will give them the help they need.”
The cases are varied, including child custody, protecting property or inheritance rights, joint business ventures, and securing justice in cases related to child marriage, marriage without consent of the girl, and abuse against women and children. The clinic lawyers also hold workshops for lawyers and judges and civil society members so discussions can take place on how to strengthen the rule of law and reform the justice system.
As with other AIL projects, women are not turned away because of a lack of financial means. Those women with no financial resources are represented for free; others pay as they are able. “Thanks to AIL’s training in leadership and human rights, Afghan women have become aware of their rights as women and are seeking ways to secure those rights,” said Dr. Yacoobi. “However, many women do not have the funds or support to pursue their goals. This center will give them the help they need.”
The cases are varied, including child custody, protecting property or inheritance rights, joint business ventures, and securing justice in cases related to child marriage, marriage without consent of the girl, and abuse against women and children. The clinic lawyers also hold workshops for lawyers and judges and civil society members so discussions can take place on how to strengthen the rule of law and reform the justice system.
