Women In Need with financial support from USAID launches WIN AGAINST VIOLENCE

For over 30 years, Women In Need (WIN) has spearheaded the fight to stop violence against women and girls in Sri Lanka, giving a voice to the countless number of victims whose stories of abuse have been silenced. In October 2021, WIN secured support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to continue its work through a five-year project titled “WIN AGAINST VIOLENCE” (WAV) in six districts – Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Jaffna and Matara. WIN launched the activity in Colombo on 26 September 2022. The State Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Ms. Geetha Kumarasinge, and a host of other dignitaries including representatives from the Government of Sri Lanka, USAID, civil society, police, and healthcare attended the event.

WAV aims to ensure concerted and cohesive action to address and prevent sex and gender-based violence (SGBV), through strategic interventions, advocacy efforts, and strengthened partnerships with WIN’s network of stakeholders. Activities will include the continued provision of essential services to survivors of SGBV such as counseling, legal and emergency shelter support; and strengthening of divisional level forums to address SGBV. Under the project, WIN will also establish safe cities for women and girls in selected areas, and a summit on gender equality to mobilize stakeholders on issues related to women’s rights and gender.

Speaking at the event, State Minister Ms. Geetha Kumarasinghe stated, “In this unprecedented economic climate, most women are presented with a unique set of issues that have handicapped them and their families; and made them more vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence. We often hear of instances when mothers are forced to make heartbreaking decisions to ease their troubles. It is in times like these that we are reminded of how important it is to empower women to stand on their own feet and become financially independent. We need a complete change in attitudes towards women and gender-related issues. I am honoured to be a part of this event organized by WIN. The organization has been supporting survivors of violence and empowering them to reclaim their lives for the past three decades.”

Kevin Dean, Office Director – USAID,
Governance and Vulnerable Populations
addresses the participants

Executive Director of WIN, Ms. Savithri Wijesekera added, “The WAV project takes a holistic approach to address sexual and gender-based violence. The project will ensure the relevant state officials, NGOs, and CSOs are working collaboratively towards addressing gender-based violence. The safe cities will be places that women and girls can navigate comfortably and safely whether they are accessing public transport or whether they are in the comfort of their homes. We will also raise awareness on gender-related issues among youth and open a new center in Ratnapura.”

Kevin Dean, Office Director – USAID, Governance and Vulnerable Population said, “Regardless of the form that GBV takes, it is a human rights abuse, a public health challenge, and a barrier to civic, social, political, and economic participation and development. We are excited to collaborate with WIN which is committed to empowering Sri Lankan women through providing counseling, legal advice, shelter assistance, and care packages.”