Justice brokers: Women’s experiences with injustice and dependence in the divorce process

Rising divorce rates have increased the need for third parties’ involvement in seeking justice. This study explores village officials’ involvement as justice brokers in divorce proceedings and their accompaniment of women during the process. Research was conducted through direct observation of courtroom proceedings, interviews, and document mapping. Two important points are noted. First, when initiating divorce proceedings, village officials tend to become involved as justice brokers to ensure the rapid conclusion of the process. Second, the involvement of justice brokers in the divorce process contributes to the subordination, marginalization, and stigmatization of women. Women’s autonomy in making legal decisions is influenced by the involvement of these justice brokers, who are perceived as having access to legal knowledge and possessing connections within the legal system. This article recommends three courses of action: expanding substantive justice for women, increasing gender sensitivity amongst involved officials, and reinforcing women’s organizations’ accompaniment of women during the legal process.