Call for Applications: Parvaaz Legal Fellowship Programme – India

The fellowship programme focus on women and trans lawyers practicing at district courts of Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal in India, enhancing their efforts to support women and trans communities in their access to legal justice.

SAWF IN Legal Fellowship Programme was launched in 2017 in partnership with Women’s Fund Asia (formerly known as South Asia Women’s Fund). Through an annual fellowship, the programme provides financial and technical support to women and trans lawyers practicing in districts courts of India, which are the first site of legal redress and remedies for women and trans persons. At the same time, the programme offers opportunities to exchange learning and network with local experts, experienced feminist lawyers and with lawyers from other countries.

Fellowship Expectations

• Through the Parvaaz Legal Fellowship SAWF IN wishes to address the unmet need for litigation support and legal aid to women and trans persons who choose to use the legal remedies they are entitled to. As a legal fellow the selected applicant would be expected to:
  • Provide legal aid and support to women and trans litigants.
  • Advocate for more gender responsive lawyering at district courts.
  • Engage with the local legal ecosystem of committees, aid and awareness services and law colleges to encourage care and rights based practices.

Who can Apply?

• Women (Any person identifying themselves as woman and not restricted to biological definition.) lawyers practicing in any district court of Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• With at least 2-3 years of litigation experience. Preferably on laws to protect rights of women, children, transgender community, persons with disability.
• Applicants below the age group of 35 will be preferred.
• Preference will be given to fellows who belong to socially, economically, ethnically marginalised communities they intend to impact.
• Citizen of India.
• Someone with experience of engaging with communities of women or trans people, facilitating their leadership or has been an active supporter of the Indian gender rights movement will be preferred.
• Linkages with women and trans groups will be an advantage.
• Self-motivated and passionate about legal practice.
• Good articulation skills and willingness to document their work extensively.
• Can dedicate 10 months towards the fellowship programme.
• Has internet connection or phone connectivity to participate in fellowship updates and reporting.

For more information, visit SAWF IN.