In Sri Lanka women are still discriminated on their gender. They are not given the same right as men. Women are still paid less etc. Majority of Sri Lankan women are determined by their parents or husband. As women can’t go out at night without the fear of being sexually harassed. They are not allowed to work or study far away from their homes because they believe that women are weaker than men.
Furthermore, Women’s empowerment is a part to encourage women to feel strong by telling them that they can do anything they want to do. Also, empowering women is to let them know that they have equal right to participate in education, society and politically.
After identifying the following “Women Force” came into effect jointly by the Rotaract Clubs of Colombo East, Colombo Mid Town, Faculty of Science University of Colombo, American National College and Achievers Lanka Business School. In aim, to take a few steps to reduce the stigma that society has created within us, to help create a broader mindset within the youth and most importantly empower our women for a better and stronger Sri Lanka!
The event took place on the 28th of March 2019 at the College House Auditorium at the University of Colombo which was an interactive sessions conducted by three keynote speakers who focused on some ongoing issues faced by today’s society; sexual harassment faced by women, gender Equality and suicide prevention. Our aim was to spread awareness to the general public about these issues, Educate them on how to overcome related problems and encourage them to be empowered.
The speakers touched the following areas:
Guest speaker Nabeela Yaseen, Founder of “Not your Nangi” (A social media platform aimed at women empowerment and fighting sexual harassment faced by women in Sri Lanka) addressed the audience on this topic. She shared her own experiences as well as those of whom she has reached out to and reiterated the seriousness of this issue. She further educated the gathering on how to fight such issues and what we could do to prevent them. She also encouraged the women to voice out such problems, seek support if needed and stand up for themselves.
Speaker Arshad Akbar, founder of winner worldwide (PVT) Ltd, conducted an interactive speech on gender equality. He explained how this could change the way our society sees things and certainly reduce threats to women in Sri Lanka. The audience actively engaged with him with their many questions and opinions.
Ms. Pavani Muthumala, a suicide prevention activist also inspired the gathering with her very heartfelt message. She emphasized the importance of mental health, reaching out to those who may need help, healthy ways of dealing with your frustration and most importantly how valuable one’s life is.
The session was kept to a time span of roughly two hours with the participation of about 100 women who were from various backgrounds from corporates, Rotaractors, Universities undergraduates and public.
