Publication: Empowering Women in Pakistan : Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Date
2011-10
ISSN
Published
2011-10
Author(s)
Merchant, Navin
Ali Khan, Isfandyar
Abstract
An overburdened court system adds to the
disadvantages of women in Pakistan. Women entrepreneurs who
lack the time and resources to battle a dispute in the
courts also run the risk of being victimized for
highlighting their problems. Mediation provides a valuable
alternative, allowing women and others to settle disputes
out of court. As a dispute-settlement mechanism, alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) is gaining prominence and increased
application in most parts of the world. Its benefits are
several. However, for countries where the justice system
lacks efficiency, embracing ADR is also difficult. In 2006,
International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched an ADR
project with a goal of institutionalizing mediation for the
first time in Pakistan. Although the project had no
provision for separate gender activities, opportunities were
created for reaching out to women entrepreneurs and others.
This smart lesson relates our experiences and the lessons
the authors learned, demonstrating in particular how gender
became an integral part of the project and the impact it
gained over time.
Citation
“Merchant, Navin; Ali Khan, Isfandyar. 2011. Empowering Women in Pakistan : Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. IFC Smart Lessons Brief. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/4f83cc11-9d8c-5c32-8d58-d33724c7604c License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.”
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