Right since its inception the organisation gave special attention to mobilise women, particularly from weaker sections, for social change. Several Mahila Jagriti Kendras, or Women’s Awakening Centres, were set up. In 1989 the organisation implemented a government programme called Mahila Samakhya, or Women’s Equality. The programme was implemented in 60 villages of two developmental blocks of Saharanpur district. It furthered the organisation’s intervention with women. As the activities progressed, instances of violence against women started pouring in because women got a voice in it. Disha started intervening in complaints of violence with a view to provide relief to the harried victims of violence. Soon the organisation and its workers became last refuge of the victims of family violence, sexual violence, dowry, etc. Even after the end of the Mahila Samakhya programme, pressure to seek assistance from the organisation continued.

This was so despite the presence of traditional forums like caste panchayats and biradari (community) panchayats to solve instances of marriage discords to disputes over property. But the basic problem with these panchayats was that these panchayats believed in excluding the ‘others’ and they were less sensitive in the matters of equality and fundamental rights. On the other hand traditional legal systems recognised equality and fundamental rights, but its process was costly, delaying and atrocious. In these circumstances people, particularly victimised women, gave considerable importance to the counselling and intermediations done by the organisation and its workers. This continues till date.

As the pressure of assistance seekers mounted on the organisation, realisation started in the organisation that some mechanism would have to be devised to institutionalise the organisation’s work with women. Fillip to this realisation came from an observation in the organisation’s evaluation. After much deliberation, it was decided to create a Women Cell within the organisation to provide space to the work being done among the women. The Women Cell was provided an office accommodation, equipped with necessary amenities. The workers attached with the legal aid were transferred to this cell, a few fresh workers were recruited and all of them oriented to meet new challenge.

The Women Cell devised strategies for its interventions being carried out in extending succour to the harried women. The most notable of these was the mechanism of nari adalat (women’s court). It was decided to hold nari adalat on 24th day of every month so all the cases ‘registered’ during the intervening period could be taken up. They continue to be held on this date till date. Prominent people from the area are invited to arrive at solutions to the travails of the victims.

Often the Women Cell solves cases forwarded to it by the police. Yet the relations with the police are not very cordial because the cell functionaries keep a vigilant eye on the functioning of the police (often because of corruption) in cases of violence against women. Normally in such cases it is able to mount pressure on the local police by taking up the matter with the higher police officials, and if that fails, with the National Women’s Commission, the apex national level body promoted by the government.

Women Cell lays great emphasis on documentation of the cases it tackles. Each case is duly registered and proceedings, including happenings during field visits to verify the facts, are recorded in detail. This helps in follow up of cases. The Women Cell also keeps repository of various cases. It has also engaged a women lawyer to advise it on legal aspects. This lawyer also contests cases in courts, if necessary.

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