Lankan women victimized during multiple crises: Deputy minister

By Nisheni Atapattu

ECONOMYNEXT –Sri Lanka’s women have suffered disproportionately due to several crises, Deputy Minister of child and women affairs, Namal Sudarshana said at the launch of a public awareness installation called ‘SamaTheevu’.

“The status of Sri Lankan women has stagnated against several indicators on gender equality, owing to multiple crises,” Sudarshana said.

SamaTheevu, by UN Women Sri Lanka, brings to life a vision of a gender equal world ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.

The interactive installation offers visitors a glimpse into an island where everyone, regardless of gender has equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

“In Sri Lanka, we continue to face significant challenges across these areas, impacting the very foundation of our society,” Sudarshana said.

In crises and disasters, the risk of exploitation and harassment rises sharply, further endangering women and girls who already face disproportionately high rates of sexual and gender based violence, UNFPA Sri Lanka has said.

“At UN Women, our goal is to uphold human rights and sustainable development for all,” said Ramaaya Salgado, Head of Office at UN Women Sri Lanka.

“Global data shows us that societies where everyone – regardless of gender – is equally valued, given equal opportunities, and supported by just institutions – will flourish, and achieving these goals requires collective efforts”.

“Women’s rights organisations, especially in conflict-affected areas, face increasing bureaucratic and funding restrictions, limiting their ability to support vulnerable women,” Marc-André Franche, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka said.

The interactive installation offers visitors a glimpse into an island where everyone has equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

It serves as a reminder that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a driver of social and economic progress.The installation is open to the public from 6th – 12th March from 9:00am – 8:00pm at the Lionel Wendt, Art Centre, Colombo 7.