Ahead of International Women’s Day, the United Nations in Sri Lanka has released a factsheet outlining key challenges faced by women and girls in the country. 

Under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, the UN calls for closing the gap between legal rights and lived realities.

The overview highlights shortcomings in legal protections, climate impacts, economic participation, leadership, and digital access, stressing that gender equality continues to be held back by gaps in justice.

Legal Justice

• 28 laws contain 67 gender-discriminatory provisions affecting family law, employment, education, gender-based violence, abortion, sex work, and citizenship.
• 1 in 4 women has experienced physical or sexual violence in relationships; nearly half did not seek formal help.
• 90% of women have faced sexual harassment on public transport, with only a small fraction reporting incidents.

Climate Justice

• Floods, droughts, and landslides disproportionately affect women in agriculture, fisheries, and informal work.
• Climate shocks increase unpaid care work, disrupt maternal health services, and heighten risks of gender-based violence.

Economic Justice

• Women’s labour force participation is 31.6%, compared to about 70% for men, largely due to unpaid care responsibilities.
• Women-led businesses face an estimated USD 17 billion financing gap, limiting growth opportunities.

Social Justice

• Women make up more than half of the population but remain underrepresented in leadership.
• Less than 10% of seats in Parliament are held by women (22 out of 225 MPs).
• Only 2 of 23 cabinet positions are occupied by women.

Digital Justice

• 62% of women are digitally literate, but only 34.6% are computer literate, showing a significant gap.
• Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is rising, with 58% of cybercrime complaints reported by women and girls.
• Fear of harassment and weak protections limit women’s participation online.

The UN stresses that closing these justice gaps is essential to fully realizing women’s rights in Sri Lanka, urging stronger action across legal, social, economic, and digital spheres. (Newswire)

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The proposal for the declaration of “National Women’s Week” in March in line with the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day has received a Cabinet nod. 

The United Nations declared March 08 as International Women’s Day in 1977 and since, all member countries have commemorated March 08th as International Women’s Day every year. 

This year’s International Women’s Day celebration is themed “Equality, Empowerment, and Dignity for All Women and Girls.” 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, to implement the programs at the national, provincial, district, and divisional levels, including the commemoration of International Women’s Day nationally.

As such, it has been proposed to declare “National Women’s Week” from March 02 to 08 this year with the theme “Building a sustainable tomorrow—her strength is the path” in line with the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day. (Newswire)

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On the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’, women from Jammu and Kashmir have hundreds of success stories to share with the world as the abrogation of Article 370 has proven to be a blessing for them.

After August 5, 2019–when the Centre announced its decision to scrap J&K’s special status and bifurcate it into two Union Territories–J&K women have truly come to know what empowerment and freedom means.

Women in ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’ have become symbols of success and are scripting a new chapter in the history of the Himalayan region.

The women-oriented schemes that were launched by the government post-abrogation of Article 370 have put them on the path of becoming self-reliant and independent.

Besides helping women to become successful entrepreneurs the government has given them major roles in administration and in police. Special scholarship schemes for meritorious young female students have enabled them to chase their dreams.

As of date women in J&K are doctors, engineers, lawyers, businesswomen, professors, deputy commissioners, district police chiefs, administrative officers, singers, sports stars etc. They have carved a niche in every field and are sharing their success stories with everyone.

J&K women during the past three years have become an inspiration for their counterparts nationally and internationally. They are the same J&K women who till 2019 were considered weak and incapable. But they have proved their detractors wrong by the dint of their hard work and determination.

During the past three years women have played a pivotal role in building ‘Naya J&K,’ they have grabbed every opportunity that has been provided to them.

The centrally sponsored women-centric welfare schemes have shown them the way. Panchayat Raj Institutions have been creating awareness about the women empowerment schemes at the grassroots level and are acting as nodal points in rural areas.

The economically independent women have become a part and parcel of ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir.” They are playing a significant role at social, economic, political, educational and judicial fronts. Mass awareness has been created about the rights of women. Their achievements are being acknowledged and shared with the world.

Pertinently, from 1990, when Pakistan-sponsored terrorism broke out in J&K, till 2019 the terrorists and the separatists made every attempt to curb the freedom of women.

The gun-wielding terrorists tried everything from enforcing the rule of wearing a veil to stopping women from going out to work but women always resisted their moves and didn’t succumb.

The empowerment of women in J&K is an indicator of how the ground situation in Union Territory has changed in three years as the fairer sex is excelling in every field without any threat or intimidation.

Women are playing extraordinary roles in shaping their families, society and organizations with an untiring determination as the regime led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instilled a sense of security by taking decisive action against the terrorists and their supporters.

J&K is among one the few places in the country that can boast of showcasing extraordinary women from very early times. The legendary women from the Union Territory like Queen Didda, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and others have played a dynamic role in reshaping the lives of modern-day women.

In recent times more and more women have been given leadership roles. They have become decision-makers and leaders.

Notably, after 2019, Self Help Groups (SHGs) in J&K have become a symbol of women’s power in the Himalayan region. At present, there are more than 56,000 Self Help Groups in J&K and as many as 5 lakh women are associated with these groups.

According to the official figures, about 55 per cent of gram panchayats have been covered under women SHGs in J&K and the efforts are on to achieve the target of covering 100% grass root institutions. Women are playing a major role in transforming the economy of the rural areas in J&K.

UMEED scheme of J&K Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) since 2019 has been working relentlessly to engage the women from marginalized sections of the society into gainful livelihood ventures.

The mission is to make every attempt to reach out to the rural population across J&K and to provide women with sustainable livelihood opportunities and nurture them so that they come out of poverty and live dignified life.

The JKRLM has brought self-sufficiency among rural women. They have not only come out of poverty but their status has also been elevated within their own families by this mission.

The JKRLM is extensively based on capacity building and strengthening of community-based institutions by empowering rural women at different levels.

In November 2022, the JKRLM and Meesho, India’s fastest-growing internet commerce company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the growth of 1,800 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them an online platform to launch and grow their business and empower the rural women entrepreneurs.

Women empowerment schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan. Anganwadi Services, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.One Stop Centre, Universalisation of Women Helpline, Child Protection Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Swadhar Greh, Hausla, Tejaswani etc. are also helping the women to march towards their goals.

Women in rural areas are no longer confined within the four walls of their homes. They have become equal stakeholders in society and are sharing equal responsibilities with men. The government has fixed a target of at least ensuring 33 per cent representation of women in every field with the ultimate aim of achieving a 50-50 ratio between men and women.

Participation

The women are taking part in recruitment drives of the security forces, competitive exams for gazetted and non-gazetted posts and have shunned social taboos. They are donning police uniforms and combat dresses and are standing with men.

Women constitute about 47 per cent of the total population in J&K and their active participation in every field has helped in restoring normalcy in the Himalayan region, which witnessed a Pakistan-sponsored onslaught for 30 long years.

To celebrate women’s empowerment and to commemorate ‘International Women’s Day’ J&K administration this year has been organising special Women’s Sammelans in different districts. Women achievers are being felicitated and encouraged to share their success stories with the world and send a message that women have become J&K’s identity. (ANI)

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Steps will be taken to win women’s rights on par with developed countries of the world, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, delivering a message for ‘International Women’s Day’ commemorated today. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President said, “we cannot be satisfied with the status of women in the Asian region, but compared to other countries in the region, Sri Lankan women are ahead and that situation will be expanded further and work will be done to win women’s rights like in the developed countries of the world.” 

The President highlighted that the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, will aid in achieving this goal.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also recognized three women within the international forum as ‘integral’ parts in providing Sri Lanka with the required foreign assistance during its most unprecedented economic crises.

The President acknowledged the efforts of India’s Minister of Finance – Nirmala Sitharaman, U.S. Secretary to the Treasury Janet Yellen and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva in securing the funds and aid required by the island nation in its hour of need.

President Wickremesinghe expressed these views at the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Battaramulla Waters Edge Hotel today (08). The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment organized the event under the theme “She is the pride of the Nation”. 

During the event, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe presented the National Policy on Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to the President. 

Also speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the charter that is being unveiled today represents a significant step forward for Sri Lankan women. 

“Sri Lanka has never faced the challenges it faces today. It is now obvious that the Government under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe has worked very patiently to move the country forward. You, as women, strengthen the effort to create that economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said the Cabinet has approved the women’s charter, on which President Ranil Wickremesinghe worked very diligently. 

“It’s historic to present it to him on International Women’s Day. In society, a woman should not be isolated. They are all citizens of this country, regardless of their profession. They should understand that women are the pride of the country and treat women with respect who make up 52% of the population,” she added. 

Full statement: 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that we cannot be satisfied with the status of women in the Asian region, but compared to other countries in the region, Sri Lankan women are ahead and that situation will be expanded further and work will be done to win women’s rights like in the developed countries of the world.

The President highlighted that the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, will aid in achieving this goal. The progress made over several years of hard work will be unveiled on International Women’s Day, which will be a significant milestone for women in the country. 

The President highlighted that the SAARC organization does not have any specific provisions related to women’s rights. To address this gap, Sri Lanka will be hosting a meeting of leading women activists from SAARC countries this year to advocate for the inclusion of women’s rights within the organization’s framework. Sri Lanka will take a leadership role in championing the rights of women in the Asian region, and are committed to working towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in all areas. 

President Wickremesinghe expressed these views at the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Battaramulla Waters Edge Hotel today (08). The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment organized the event under the theme “She is the pride of the Nation”. 

During the event, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe presented the National Policy on Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to the President. 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe awarded honours to strong and accomplished female characters on International Women’s Day, 2023. Awards were presented to Dr. Sujatha Aththanayaka, Kalasuri Sriyani Amarasena, Rashmi Nimesha Gunawardena, and Anula de Silva. Certificates were given to the top 25 female entrepreneurs chosen at district level with the intervention of Sri Lanka Women’s Bureau.

President Wickremesinghe further said, “The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme ‘She is the pride of the Nation’ for the year 2023.”

The President expressed gratitude to the State Minister, the Secretary, and all those involved in organizing the event. He also acknowledged the State Minister’s efforts in assuming a significant role in the on-going work by traveling across the country to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

During the period between International Women’s Day 2022 and this year, significant changes have occurred in the country, primarily due to the economic collapse. The people of the country, including women and men, have suffered greatly, and there is currently a debate as to who is responsible for this situation. While various names are being called out in this discussion, the President noted that none of them are women. Therefore, women should not be held accountable for this incident. 

The Governor of the Central Bank and I have signed a letter to declare agreement on debt restructuring, after consulting with supporting countries, as well as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The International Monetary Fund responded positively to this development, as of yesterday. 

When reflecting upon those who contributed to freeing the people from the sufferings experienced during the past, I think it is important to mention the names of three women who played a significant role. 

I would like to acknowledge Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister of India, who played a vital role in providing a $3 billion loan to Sri Lanka after the country was declared bankrupt last April. Her decision to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and to provide the loan to a country in such a dire financial state was a remarkably courageous act. Without the availability of those funds during those three to four months, the current situation in the country would be far more challenging, and for that, we must express our gratitude to her. 

Additionally, a crucial role was played by several key countries in supporting us during this challenging time. Notably, our talks with the United States, led by Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary, were instrumental in securing aid for our country. I extend my sincere gratitude to her for her efforts in this matter. 

I must also mention that Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, made a personal sacrifice for Sri Lanka by taking the lead to negotiate with the countries, the Paris Club, the World Bank and others. If these three women had not supported us, we would have been in a dire situation.

On the other hand, no women are among those responsible for this problem. Women, on the other hand, were among those who assisted. 

When we focus on these three women, we wonder why they are in these places and not in our country. Not only those three women, but so are President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen and President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde. The International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the US Treasury are all in the hands of women today. Women have been empowered to influence the economy. 

Moreover, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Cindy McCain, the new Director-General of the United Nations World Food Programme, are both women. 

As a result, the majority of the work in this economic field that provides us with food and assistance is done under the leadership of women. We can rejoice that women have stepped forward in the past 50 years. This is due to the policies of European countries and the United States. 

We have commenced programs aimed specifically at promoting women’s rights. That is the distinction between Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. 

When we focus on Sri Lanka, our first woman MP was elected 92 years ago. In 1960, the world’s first female Prime Minister, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was appointed. But we have not made progress. Today, in some countries, the representation of women in the political field is at least 20% – 25%. We have not reached that stage. 

Women have come forward in our administrative department. There is no question about it. Women’s educational representation has also grown. However, a lack of women participation exists especially in the business sector. 

To rectify this situation, two committees were formed together with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in preparing policy statements. Discussions were also held with the Women’s Caucus of the Parliament. We must go further. 

The Cabinet has approved the reports of these two committees and handed them over to me. Today, the National Policy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security for 2023-2033 were both presented. We will not stop here. We will have a thorough discussion and solicit feedback on the proposed amendments. 

Similarly, three drafts were prepared in response to our request in consultation with the Women’s Caucus of the Parliament. 

The Gender and Equality Act and the Women’s Empowerment Act are two bills that the National Commission should discuss this month and pass into law at least by June or July.

In addition, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya is working on a bill concerning non-government public assemblies. It is suggested that the women’s group in Parliament and the Ministry meet with him to discuss and include women’s representation and rights in it. 

Apart from that, we hope to establish a women‟s and gender institute. This will enable us to carry out women’s promotion programs. I hope to continue doing this work for women. It is a requirement of our policy. 

Simultaneously, a large conference with women representatives from various sectors is expected to be held to discuss women’s rights. We will identify those areas by comparing our female MPs caucus, the Ministry Secretary, and the relevant officials. I believe 500-1000 people will congregate there. We should talk to them about it. 

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the country as well as the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Politics causes some of them to compete with one another, yet everyone should come together for women’s rights and its implementation. The new program of the ministry entails carrying out next steps for those promotional programs. 

But we must remember one thing. We are not in America or Europe, but in Asia. Similar initiatives have not been carried out in Asia. Women haven’t spoken up in this way before. Looking at Asia as a whole, Korea, the Philippines, and Myanmar all had female heads of state. The rest are from South Asian countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There are seven such women including Sonia Gandhi. But, we are not content with the rights that women enjoy in these areas. 

Afghanistan has suffered a setback today. Women are not allowed to go to school or work. They are unable to exercise their rights. In this context, we will discuss this matter as South Asia; notably India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka as the SAARC organization makes no mention of women’s rights. We have discussed together how to acquire these rights and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have mutually decided to host a meeting of the leading women activists of these nations in Sri Lanka this year. 

Moving only Sri Lanka ahead in this situation won’t be effective. It should be implemented in the area concerned. We are inspiring others to follow the same path. 

Let’s put these women’s rights into action and gain them for women like in other developed nations. Women currently make up the majority of the population in this country. The rights of all of them must be upheld. Let’s discuss this within and outside the parliament and move forward.” 

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said, “The charter that is being unveiled today represents a significant step forward for Sri Lankan women. Sri Lanka has never faced the challenges it faces today. It is now obvious that the Government under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe has worked very patiently to move the country forward. You, as women, strengthen the effort to create that economy. 

I suggest that the banking system in Sri Lanka should be liberalized so that women can enter the banking system to achieve the determination of women empowerment. Accordingly, every woman in Sri Lanka will be given the opportunity to open a bank account.” 

State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said, “The Cabinet has approved the women’s charter, on which President Ranil Wickremesinghe worked very diligently on. It’s historic to present it to him on International Women’s Day. In society, a woman should not be isolated. They are all citizens of this country, regardless of their profession. They should understand that women are the pride of the country and treat women with respect who make up 52% of the population.” 

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual, State Minister of Health Seetha Arambepola, State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage, Members of Parliament Sudarshani Fernandopulle and Yadamini Gunawardena, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, a delegation representing various United Nations organizations, and officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Mrs. Yamuna Perera participated in this event. (NewsWire)

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SriLankan Airlines celebrated the power of women in the airline with a flight operated by an all-female crew on Women’s Day 2023, which is commemorated today (08). 

The airline said in a statement that flight UL131 departed to Trichy in India this morning.

It was staffed by Captain Chamika Rupasinghe; First Officer Bimalee Jeewandara; Purser Roshani Dissanayake; Cabin Supervisor Upuli Warnakula; and Flight Attendants Lakmini Dissanayake, Jayakalani Kinson and Harshi Walpola Kankanamalage. (NewsWire)

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The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) has proposed to develop a more effective and efficient complaint and investigative mechanism to regulate gender-based violence on digital platforms to safeguard the well-being and dignity of women and girls.

In a statement, the WPC also says that it is necessary to build awareness of digital gender-based violence and safer means of using digital platforms among the general public.

The statement is issued by Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to mark International Women’s Day which falls on the 08th of March.

Full statement: 

On the 8th of March 2023, we commemorate International Women’s Day which is observed with an overall objective of promoting the understanding of issues faced by women striving for greater gender equality and women’s empowerment, while celebrating the progress so far made towards achieving such goals.

Whereas an international day dedicated towards women might appear inconsequential, the observance of this day is crucial in creating public awareness of women’s rights and issues faced by women, and above all, it is a powerful advocacy tool to mobilize political will and resources to realize gender equality and women’s empowerment.

With the advancement of technology and globalization, the challenges that women face have altered. However, prejudices and stereotypical beliefs still stand in the way of women realizing their full potential, even in the 21st century. In order to cater to the changing world and the problems that come hand in hand with it, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

In light of the global pandemic and the resultant movement restrictions imposed, life on earth drastically changed with many activities, ranging from professional work, education and social activities, being transformed and transferred to the online digital world. Online education and working from home have now become the norm in many post-pandemic societies, including Sri Lanka. Therefore, the use of digital spaces and devices drastically increased, particularly among children, as parents permitted children to access the internet and use smartphones in order to facilitate online education.

While the overall usage of online and digital spaces and devices has increased, a considerable part of the country is prevented from accessing the internet altogether due to problems ranging from connectivity issues to the inability to purchase digital devices due to economic constraints. This is particularly detrimental to children whereas online education has become the new norm.

It also appears that in instances where a family could afford just one device, the male child is given preference over the female child to use the device due to prejudicial beliefs. It is reported worldwide that digital literacy is lower for women than for men due to the limitations faced by women in their access to devices, networks and data.

However, if it is also not used correctly, the internet could very easily become a medium propagating violence and harassment. Complaints made to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) and National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) by distressed individuals and parents reached a record high in a pandemic-hit society. The victims of most such instances were women and girls.

Therefore, building awareness of digital gender-based violence and safer means of using digital platforms among the general public is imperative.

In view of the above, the Caucus has strengthened its efforts to initiate discussions to mobilize resources for improved accessibility to the internet and to improve regulations to prevent digital gender-based violence. While acknowledging there is yet a long way to go, the Caucus is determined to stay committed to its undertaking to empower women and create an enabling environment that promotes, protects and supports the digital rights, well-being and dignity of women and girls. (NewsWire)

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