To further engage women in identifying key provisions for electoral reform and women’s political participation in the constitution the Women and Media Collective organised a workshop for women’s rights activists and groups from across the island on the 3rd and 4th of March 2016. This was following a series of meetings undertaken by the WMC … Continue reading A consultation on Gender and Electoral Reforms in the Constitution
Source: Groundviews By Chulani Kodikara The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality”. A good day to reflect on the 25% mandatory quota for women in local government passed by parliament almost exactly one month ago amidst an uproar created by members of the … Continue reading The Quota for Women in Local Government: A pledge for parity and a parody in parliament?
The struggle for supporting and strengthening women’s human rights in the political, social and economical spheres is far from over. In Sri Lanka for instance various forms of discrimination and violence against women in private and public life continues to undermine the gains made in achieving relatively high social development indicators for women and girls. … Continue reading IWD 2016: Strengthening and Protecting the rights of women in Sri Lanka through the new constitution
The Women and Media Collective organised a round of discussion on the new constitution making process and to see the possibilities where women’s groups can intervene. The Discussions were conducted in Batticaloa , Kurunegala and Colombo with the participation of women activists, civil society organization members, women affiliated to political parties, Trade union women and … Continue reading Women’s contribution to the new constitution making process
With the government ensuring a 25% representation of women in Local Government bodies, the Women and Media Collective and the International Centre for Ethnic Studies facilitated a discussion on the Local Authorities Elections Amendment Act of 2012. The discussion focused on increasing representation of women under the mixed electoral system. The backdrop to the Act … Continue reading Discussion on increasing women’s political representation
This September 28th, 2015 on the Global Day of Action to Safe and Legal Abortion, Women and Media Collective raises awareness on the negative impacts of myths surrounding abortion in Sri Lanka. #BustTheMyths Fight #AbortionStigma & Discrimination! Learn more: www.september28.org
Women and Media Collective held a press briefing on the 8th of September 2015 to demand for a 30% increase in women’s political representation at Local Government. Compared with the rest of South Asia, Sri Lanka is in an unfortunate position when considering women’s representation in politics. Local Government is the first step in entering … Continue reading Press Conference: Ensuring a 30% increase for women at Local Government
The Vote for Women campaign was launched on the 5th of August to coincide with Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Elections scheduled to be held on the 17 of August 2015. There are total of 6,151 candidates from 21 political parties and independent groups competing for the 225 seats in parliament. Of the total candidates nominated, … Continue reading Vote for Women Campaign Launch
Source: Sunday Observer Ensure women’s rights and gender equality By Women and Media Collective There are selected issues concerning the rights of women that all political parties are requested to commit to address: Independent National Commission on Women There is an urgent need to set up a strong formal institution with legal powers to address … Continue reading To all political parties: These are our concerns
13th July, 2015 We the undersigned Sri Lankan civil society activists and organizations, wish to bring to your attention human rights issues of pivotal importance to reconciliation, unity, peace and prosperity in our country, which we strongly believe should be included in your party manifestos for the forthcoming General Election. During the campaign period leading … Continue reading Open Letter to all Political Parties – Key Pledges to be included in Manifestos