Community Health

Increase Access | Community Health

Increase Access | Community Health

Increase Access, also known as Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education (IDIA), is a non-profit organization that aims to empower underprivi

Overview

Increase Access, also known as Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education (IDIA), is a non-profit organization that aims to empower underprivileged children in India by providing them with access to quality legal education. Founded in 2010 by Professor Shamnad Basheer at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, IDIA has grown into a pan-Indian, student-run movement that trains underprivileged students to become leading lawyers and community advocates. With a strong focus on community development and social justice, IDIA has made significant strides in increasing diversity in the legal profession and promoting access to justice for marginalized communities. As of 2022, IDIA has supported over 500 students from underprivileged backgrounds, with many going on to secure admissions in top law schools and become successful lawyers. With its innovative approach to legal education and community outreach, IDIA has become a model for similar initiatives globally, demonstrating the potential for education and advocacy to drive positive social change. IDIA's work has been recognized by several prominent organizations, including the [[united-nations|United Nations]] and the [[world-bank|World Bank]], and has been featured in various media outlets, such as [[the-hindu|The Hindu]] and [[bbc-news|BBC News]].