The Women and Media Collective (WMC) participated in the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) review of Sri Lanka in Geneva alongside several other civil society organizations. Between February 5th and February 13th, 2025, this critical advocacy effort brought together a collection of women’s rights activists, grassroots organizations and researchers to highlight the pressing issues that women still face in Sri Lanka today.
WMC’s advocacy campaign was based on the collaborative CEDAW Civil Society Shadow Report (access here) which sheds light on the realities and challenges faced by women across Sri Lanka. This shadow report included research and work by a multitude of national and local organizations. Some of the contributing organizations include:
In addition to the organizations listed above, the report also included contributions by independent researchers and activists, combining to focus on the macro- and microeconomic challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka, especially within the context of the 2022 Economic Crisis and its aftermath.
During the CEDAW Committee review of Sri Lanka’s progress on women’s issues, the WMC engaged with committee members to present key concerns and advocated for policy changes that address a myriad of issues such as women’s economic rights, political participation, gender-based violence, labor rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights and the impact of the Sri Lanka Economic Crisis on the lives of women. The collective effort emphasized the need for stronger and more robust policy framework and legislation to ensure Sri Lanka’s compliance and progress with its obligations to CEDAW.
The coalition of women’s organizations reaffirmed their commitment to gender justice, inclusivity while ensuring that the lived experiences of women from a diverse cross-section were highlighted and at the forefront of the review.
Following the CEDAW Committee’s recommendations and observations to the Government of Sri Lanka on women’s rights and equality, WMC and the CSO delegation will continue to advocate for accountability, reform and meaningful action to advance women’s rights and equality in Sri Lanka.