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

‘Let’s improve women’s representation in politics’ Poster Competition

Source: The Sunday Leader At a time when the Prime Minster has assured that women’s representation in the local government level will be increased by giving nomination to women up to 25%, some political parties keep complaining about women not coming forward and women not being capable enough to engage in politics and secure votes. … Continue reading Call for more women in parliament – The Sunday Leader

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

3 September 2015 Click here to read full screen or download statement Women in Sri Lanka have had the right to vote from as early as 1931, but very little opportunity to become the people’s elected political representatives—either in Parliament or in Provincial or Local Government. Therefore we welcome this government’s commitment to a 30% … Continue reading Political Representation of Women at Local Government – Towards ensuring 30% increase

Source: The Sunday Times A total of 556 female candidates from 21 political parties and independent groups contested the general elections but only 11 of them won seats. That is a drop of two female members from the previous 225-seat parliament that already under-represented the 52 per cent-strong female population. These 11 women represent only … Continue reading 11 women MPs a poor result for electoral reform say activists – The Sunday Times

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

As President Maitripala Sirisena’s draft of the 20th Amendment is scheduled to be presented to the cabinet today a special media briefing on the representation of women in politics was organised by the Women and Media Collective yesterday, 3rd of June, in Colombo. Followed by continued campaigning by women’s groups in the country a provision … Continue reading Media Breifing: Women’s political representation