Taniya Sultana Laskar, a lawyer from Assam’s Cachar District, has dedicated her life to helping women and marginalized communities, especially those who lack access to legal support. Born and raised in Doyapur village, she grew up in a region where many people face significant challenges. Early on, Taniya realized that she wanted to make a difference by standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Today, she is known for her hard work in promoting gender equality and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at justice, regardless of their background.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Assam, Taniya became aware at an early age of the struggles women in her community faced, especially those from minority backgrounds. This realization sparked her interest in law and social justice. She pursued her law degree at a local college, where her strong views on societal issues earned her the respect of her professors. Rumi Dhar, one of her former teachers, recalls Taniya as a hardworking student, eager to discuss solutions to social inequality. This passion laid the foundation for her future work as a lawyer and activist.
Legal Career and Advocacy
After completing her law degree, Taniya began practicing at the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Silchar. Early in her career, she saw that many women, particularly from marginalized communities, struggled to access legal help. Determined to address this, Taniya began offering pro-bono legal services to ensure that justice was available to everyone, not just the privileged few.
Her dedication extends beyond individual legal cases. Taniya has provided counsel to over 1,000 survivors of violence and filed 40 domestic violence cases, giving a voice to women who often felt powerless to stand up for their rights. Her legal work has helped many women find justice and regain their sense of dignity.
Co-Founding SAGE
In addition to her legal practice, Taniya co-founded Sexuality and Gender Equality (SAGE), a queer rights organization that promotes inclusivity and supports LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through SAGE, Taniya’s advocacy extends beyond women’s rights, reflecting her belief in a society where all marginalized groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are treated with respect and equality.
Recognition and Awards
On September 29, 2024, Taniya’s efforts were recognized on a national stage when she received the Special Jury Award at the Martha Farrell Awards for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality. This award honors her grassroots work in Assam, and Taniya sees it as a motivation to further her mission. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged young people to engage with marginalized communities and work towards creating a more inclusive society.
Challenges on the Path to Change
Taniya’s work is not without challenges. She faces cultural resistance in a region where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained. Many women are reluctant to seek legal help due to societal stigma and fear of backlash from their families or communities. Furthermore, the legal system itself often presents hurdles for marginalized individuals, making it difficult for them to access justice.
In addition to these societal challenges, Taniya must also navigate practical limitations as a grassroots advocate. A lack of funding and resources can restrict the reach of her initiatives, making it difficult to expand her impact to more communities in need.
Vision for the Future
Taniya Laskar envisions a future where organizations are more inclusive and welcoming to women. She advocates for the implementation of gender-inclusive policies and the creation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in workplaces to address grievances related to harassment or discrimination. Her goal is to build a society where women and marginalized groups have equal opportunities and access to justice.
Conclusion
Through her legal work and advocacy, Taniya Laskar is not only changing lives but also inspiring others to stand up for their rights. Her vision for a more equitable and inclusive society continues to motivate her as she fights for gender equality in Assam and beyond.
