On July 1, 2025, seven representatives from STOP visited Action India’s Mahila Panchayat in Dakshinpuri, Delhi, to learn from their long-standing work in addressing gender-based violence and strengthening women’s access to justice. The meeting brought together representatives from both organizations, fostering dialogue and mutual learning.
The STOP team included Ms. Poonam Choudhary (Field Coordinator), Ms. Mamta Gopal (Centre-in-Charge), and five Mahila Panchayat members. Together, they interacted with Action India’s Mahila Panchayat representatives and para-legal volunteers who have been working at the grassroots level for over three decades. The discussion focused on community-based strategies that have helped resolve cases of domestic and gender violence through empathy, dialogue, and accountability.
Key lessons emerged from the interaction—listening without judgment, giving three warnings before filing a First Information Report (FIR), and prioritizing family dialogue over immediate legal intervention. The team observed how trust and strong community participation form the foundation of real and lasting justice.
This visit reinforced STOP’s belief in community-driven approaches that place compassion and collaboration at the heart of social change.

