40 Years of Feminist Leadership: Collective Activism, Resistance & Resilience

WMC was founded in 1984 by Sunila Abeysekara and a group of feminists who came together as an informal collective. Their goal was to unpack and question women’s representation in media at the time in order to create critical and nuanced commentary on how women and women’s bodies were depicted in media. Eventually, this informal collective would become the The Women and Media Collective – an organization that would be a pioneer in developing the ideals of feminism in Sri Lanka through discussions, debates, collaborations, partnerships, protests and activism over four long decades of resistance and resilience.

 

As we look back on 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, we thank those who have stood by us through our four decades of work – from partnering collectives and organizations, to the activists and allies, former staff members, experts and resource persons and friends that helped us get to where we are today.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Sakuntala Kadirgamar, the Executive Director of the Law and Society Trust, opened the first session with insightful moderator’s remarks. She contextualized the discussions by drawing attention to the Women and Media Collective’s (WMC) remarkable 40-year journey of unwavering advocacy for women’s human rights. Dr. Kadirgamar emphasized the critical importance of adopting an intersectional feminist lens. She articulated that such a perspective is essential for comprehending the intricate ways in which various forms of inequality intertwine and operate simultaneously, shaping women’s experiences and societal structures. Her remarks highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by women and the necessity of a nuanced approach to address them effectively.

 

 

Dr. Corina Rodriguez Enriquez, a distinguished researcher from the National Council of Scientific at Technical Research and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Public Policy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, delivered a compelling presentation on the pivotal role of finance in shaping the global economy. She meticulously detailed how powerful financial markets, often dominated by influential corporations and individuals, exacerbate inequalities and lead to a significant concentration of capital. Dr. Enriquez particularly highlighted the pervasive “financialization of everyday life,” illustrating how financial mechanisms increasingly permeate and influence various aspects of daily existence. Her discourse also delved into the profound impact of debt, explaining how the formidable power of finance diminishes governments’ capacity to mobilize essential resources for their citizens. She drew a clear connection between sovereign debt at the national level and household debt, emphasizing the intertwined nature of these financial burdens. Dr. Enriquez’s analysis provided a critical perspective on the intricate relationship between finance, power, and societal well-being.

 

 

Dr. Amali Wedagedera, a Senior Researcher at the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies, presented a critical analysis titled “Politics of exclusion by inclusion – workings of microfinance in Sri Lanka.” Her presentation shed light on the detrimental aspects of commercialized microfinance, arguing that it often provides accessible but excessively expensive loans, thereby trapping low-income
women in perpetual cycles of debt. Dr. Wedagedera specifically highlighted the plight of Muslim women, whom she identified as among the most exploited by microfinance institutions. She passionately advocated for stringent regulation of the microfinance sector to mitigate these harmful practices. Furthermore, she detailed how microfinance has ironically led to financial exclusion for many women, as being labeled “bad debtors” by the Credit Regulation Information Bureau (CRIB) subsequently bars them from accessing more affordable and sustainable credit options. Her insights underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable populations from predatory lending practices.

 

 

Professor Dileni Gunawardena from the University of Peradeniya and Kanishka Werawella from the University of Colombo presented their collaborative research on “Unpaid care work in Sri Lanka: who cares and who shares.” Their presentation utilized data from Sri Lanka’s 2017 time-use survey to illuminate the stark gender division of labor within households. They demonstrated unequivocally that women dedicate significantly more time to unpaid care work—such as childcare, elder care,
cooking, and cleaning—compared to men.

 

Their research also delved into the economics of care, noting that while childcare often exhibits economies of scale (e.g., caring for two children doesn’t necessarily double the effort), elder care, surprisingly, shows diseconomies of scale, meaning that attending to more elderly individuals disproportionately increases the workload. A particularly salient finding from their study was the observation that the presence of an additional adult female in a household correlated with an increase in the time men spent on market work, whereas the presence of an additional male did not similarly increase women’s market work. This highlights entrenched gender
roles and expectations regarding who performs what type of labor within the household, offering valuable insights into the ongoing disparities in domestic and care responsibilities.

 

 

Sumika Perera, the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center in Kurunegala, provided valuable insights into the dynamic changes affecting women in rural society. Her remarks focused specifically on the challenges and opportunities related to women’s economic independence in these contexts. She highlighted the various factors at play, ranging from evolving social norms and traditional practices to the impact of broader economic shifts on the lives of women in rural areas. Perera’s contribution underscored the importance of localized efforts and support systems, such as those provided by her organization, in empowering women to achieve greater financial autonomy and navigate the complexities of their changing environments.

 

 

Chamila Thushari, the Executive Director of the Dabindu Collective, delved into the rich and complex history of women’s activism in Sri Lanka. Her intervention provided a crucial historical perspective, tracing the roots and evolution of various movements, struggles, and achievements by women throughout the country’s past. Thushari’s insights highlighted key milestones, influential figures, and the persistent challenges that have shaped women’s fight for rights and equality in Sri Lanka. By focusing on this historical narrative, she underscored the enduring legacy of collective action and resistance that continues to inform and inspire contemporary feminist movements.

 

 

Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, Director of Programs for Gender and Political Economy at the Women and Media Collective,  spoke on the increasing role of social media in contemporary activism, highlighting its potential for mobilizing and raising awareness on gender issues. Beyond digital engagement, Dr. Kottegoda delved into the intrinsic link between social production and welfare, emphasizing how societal structures and economic activities directly influence well-being. She also critically examined the concept of ‘family’ and its evolving definitions, particularly in relation to women’s labor force participation. Her insights also explored how traditional notions of family impact women’s economic roles and the broader societal implications of these dynamics, advocating for a re-evaluation of these constructs in the pursuit of gender equality.

 

 

Professor Gita Sen, a distinguished figure as a founder, general co-coordinator, and executive committee member of Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN), offered a profound and critical perspective during the panel discussion. She began by reflecting on common misinterpretations and misdirected narratives, particularly those concerning global political issues such as Palestine. Her insights then shifted to emphasize the crucial importance of women’s reproductive rights and human rights, framing them within the broader context of power dynamics and discipline, both in the workplace and within the home

 

A central tenet of Professor Sen’s argument was her assertion that the primary challenge for women is not exclusion from economic systems, but rather their inclusion at the very bottom of exploitative economic structures. This nuanced viewpoint highlighted how women are often integrated into labor markets and economic processes in ways that perpetuate their vulnerability and exploitation,
rather than empowering them. Her contribution underscored the need to critically analyze the terms of women’s participation in the economy and advocate for systems that genuinely promote equity and justice.

 

 

Sarala Emmanuel, a Development Practitioner and Researcher, served as a discussant during the panel, offering insightful commentary that connected various threads of the conversation. Her contributions primarily focused on the intricate relationship between global finance, national debt, and their direct impact on household debt. Emmanuel elaborated on how macro-level financial policies and international debt structures trickle down to effect the economic stability and burdens faced by individual families. She advocated strongly for the implementation of universal social security systems, emphasizing their potential to provide a crucial safety net and mitigate the adverse effects of economic vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Emmanuel highlighted the significant and often devastating impact of conflict and war on economic stability, particularly as it relates to household finances and the broader financial landscape, reinforcing the interconnectedness of peace, development, and economic well-being.

 

 

The second session of the conference, divided into two parts, began with an intriguing and thought-provoking focus on “Talibé” or Citizen? Women’s Identity Politics in West Africa and Sri Lanka. This segment aimed to explore the complex interplay between religious, cultural, and national identities, particularly as they pertain to women’s rights and citizenship in these distinct geopolitical contexts.

 

 

The session was introduced by Kumudini Samuel, the Director of Programs for Political and Social Transformation at the Women and Media Collective (WMC). Her introduction to the speakers and the session set the intellectual framework for the discussion, highlighting the critical questions at the heart of identity politics. Samuel emphasized how women’s identities are shaped by, and in turn shape, their roles within religious frameworks, cultural traditions, and national civic spaces. By posing the question “Talibé” or Citizen?”, she framed the session around the tension between traditional or religious roles (symbolized by “Talibé,” often referring to a student in a specific religious context) and modern notions of equal citizenship. Her remarks underscored the importance of examining how these dynamics play out differently, yet with surprising commonalities, in the diverse settings of West Africa and Sri Lanka, inviting the audience to consider the challenges and possibilities for women’s agency and rights within these complex identity landscapes.

 

 

Professor Fatou Sow, a retired Professor of Sociology from the University of Dakar, Senegal, offered a deeply insightful analysis focusing on the interplay of religion, identity, and politics. She discussed how Islam, while having a long-standing presence in pre-colonial Africa, underwent significant transformations and influences with the advent of Western colonization. Professor Sow highlighted the dynamic and often contentious relationship between religious identity and citizen identity, particularly for women in Africa. She explored how the competition among different religious interpretations or groups for political power can profoundly impact the realization and protection of women’s rights. Her presentation underscored the persistent challenges faced by women’s rights, which she argued are continually shaped and influenced by a complex web of traditional practices, religious doctrines, and the prevailing economic and political stability (or instability) within a nation. Professor Sow’s contribution provided a crucial comparative perspective, drawing on her extensive knowledge of West African contexts to illuminate broader themes of identity politics relevant to both the African continent and Sri Lanka.

 

 

Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, formerly an Under-Secretary General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, emphasized the indispensable role of theoretical frameworks in understanding complex issues related to politics and
ethnicity. She articulated that theory provides the necessary lens through which to dissect and analyze the nuanced dynamics at play in identity politics. Dr. Coomaraswamy particularly addressed the inherent challenge of balancing the pursuit of equality with the recognition of difference. She highlighted a core dilemma faced by women’s groups globally: while they strive for universal equality, they simultaneously seek an affirmation and recognition of their unique differences. This, she explained, is especially pertinent concerning issues like reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, where the specific experiences and needs of women necessitate both equal treatment and an acknowledgment of their distinct realities. Her contribution underscored the need for thoughtful theoretical engagement to navigate these complexities and foster a more inclusive understanding of women’s rights within diverse political and social landscapes.

 

 

The concluding segment of the conference, Session 2 – Part 2, delved into the critical and often contentious topic of Muslim Law Reforms in Sri Lanka. This vital discussion was facilitated by a distinguished panel of experts, each bringing a unique perspective to the discourse.

 

 

The panel was moderated by Dr. Chulani Kodikara, a Research Fellow at the Social Scientists Association (SSA). In her role, Dr. Kodikara guided the conversation, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complex legal, social, and religious dimensions surrounding Muslim personal law in Sri Lanka.

 

Faizun Zackaria provided a crucial voice for the experiences of marginalized Muslim women, drawing from her long history of advocating for reforms to the MMDA, a struggle that dates back to 1986. She emphasized a critical point: reforms to Muslim
personal law, while essential, are not sufficient on their own. Zackaria stressed that these legal changes must be accompanied by broader systemic and societal transformations, fundamentally driven and shaped by the affected Muslim women themselves.

 

Hyshyama Hamin delivered a powerful articulation of the key obstacles hindering Muslim law reforms in Sri Lanka. She precisely identified state inaction, the inertia or resistance from Muslim politicians, and the pervasive misconception that the existing Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) represents immutable Sharia law as primary barriers. Hamin passionately argued that pursuing these reforms is not an act of rejecting Muslim identity, but rather a profound affirmation of justice and dignity for Muslim women within their own communities.

 

Professor Farzana Haniffa brought a nuanced sociological perspective to the discussion, particularly addressing the broader socio-political context in which these reform efforts are taking place. She highlighted the challenge posed by anti-Muslim Buddhist movements and the sensitive manner in which the discourse on Muslim law reforms can be influenced or exploited by such rhetoric. While acknowledging the strong momentum and necessity for reform, Professor Haniffa also cautioned about the potential risk of inadvertently fueling existing Islamophobia, underscoring the delicate balance required in this advocacy.

 

Professor Fatou Sow enriched this discussion by building upon her earlier insights regarding the interplay of religion, identity, and the state. Her contributions here offered a comparative perspective, drawing on her understanding of how Islamic laws and their reforms are navigated in other contexts, particularly in West Africa. She underscored the dynamic nature of religious interpretations and their potential impact on women’s rights within legal frameworks.