The purpose of this oversight is to ensure that fair and appropriate procedures are used. The project also is training women to be shalish mediators. The Asia Foundation In Cambodia, a tense situation is portrayed by actors in the street theater project. Legal literacy generally begins as an awareness- raising exercise among grassroots women, lawyers, and activists working on gender issues. An important first step is to demystify the law by making technical legal information and services understandable and accessible.
Legal literacy extends beyond awareness of laws.
A more complex understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the laws themselves and their application in society is a vital component. For example, women may come to understand that laws are inherently biased or that redress through legislation will be fruitless if the courts apply the law discriminatorily or if women and society in general misunderstand women's rights. The Capacity to Mobilize for Change Building on their knowledge and understanding of the law, women can then use the law as a political resource and work toward changing laws to effect social change within the family and the larger community. A Tool for Women's Empowerment. When legislative change is required, the media can play a pivotal role in gaining public support for specific issues.