Harassment of women will be eradicated - Minister Tissa Karalliyadde

By L S Ananda Wedaarachchi

"Harassment of women and domestic violence goes back to centuries. It continues to be in force today in many parts of the world including Sri Lanka. It must be eliminated at all costs" said Child Development and Women Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadde addressing the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) held in Port Macquarie, Australia on the theme 'Prevention of violence against women'.

The following are excerpts of an interview the Sunday Observer had with Minister Karalliyadde.

Q: What is your view on the prevention of violence against women?

A: Men bear a great responsibility in preventing violence against women. Women themselves have been perpetrators of violence on members of their own gender. Recent raids by law enforcement authorities have bared that some women were heavily involved in sex trafficking and running brothels. In Sri Lankan society violence towards women and sexual harassment could be observed among many segments.

Poverty and social vices such as drinking gambling and drug abuse are major sources for family quarrels leading to violence against women particularly in the plantation and fisheries sectors and in low income groups. The Women's Bureau had conducted a series of awareness programs for plantation and fisheries sectors, rural families and low income groups in urban areas to enlighten them on the need to protect the lives of women who should be their equal partners. Programs are implemented for the plantation and fisheries sectors to educate them on the management of home finances and balancing household budgets.

Q: Sexual harassment and violence in work places have become a common phenomenon in all parts of the world. It was a topic discussed at the AFPPD conference. Your comments.

A: Gender equality is recognised in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan society is largely based on Buddhist, Hindu and Christian values. Sri Lankans have a high regard for spiritual and religious values.

The three decade long conflict and the open economic policies introduced in 1977 had a deleterious effect on social values. The traditional relationship between parents and their offspring wife and husband, teachers and students, laity and clergy employers and employees was eaten into by the sheer lust for money.

The alliance between army deserters and the underworld has posed a serious threat to peace in the country. Most crimes of the recent past were masterminded by unruly elements.

Law enforcement authorities should take meaningful action to combat the rising crime rate.

The Minister at a Self Employed Women’s Sales Centre in Rambawa, Anuradhapura.

The Minister presents a cheque to a member of the Women's Productivity Society in Kaduwela.

Q: What are the steps taken by the government to arrest this new development and ensure peace throughout the country?

A: On a directive of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa an anti-crime program has been launched. Most of the notorious criminals who masterminded daring robberies and other various crimes have been rounded up within a short period. There should be a better understanding between the laity and the clergy.

A well coordinated program to inculcate a strong sense of regard and respect for religious and traditional values should be implemented. A series of programs such as efforts to persuade people to desist from taking alcohol in keeping with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's "Mathata Titha" concept and educate schoolchildren on sexual misconduct, drug abuse and violence against women and girls have been launched by the Women's Bureau.

Advisory committees in State Institutions to curb work place sexual harassment will be activated soon.

Another program to coincide with International Women's Day will be implemented next year. Men and women in all government institutions, educational institutions and the corporate sector will be required to sport a white ribbon or wristband as a symbol of their commitment and make oath to condemn violence against women.

Sri Lankan women parliamentarians have setup an organisation to work against violence on women.

They will launch a series of campaigns with their male counterparts of all political parties in 2011, to curb all forms of violence against women.

A desk has now been opened at police stations for complaints against violence and sexual abuse of women and girls on the instructions of the IGP Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya. The police desk is staffed by trained women police officers assisted by their male counterparts. In addition a 24-hour toll-free telephone - 1929 - has been opened to receive complaints from victims.

Q: Women are also among the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. Could you elaborate?

A: Women should understand their role in society and conduct themselves in a dignified manner. Women are respected in Asian society. On the otherhand they should understand the man's position as the breadwinner of most families unless this tradition is safeguarded there will be no peace in families.

Q: NGOs and INGOs worldwide work for violence against women. In Sri Lanka it is done in an exemplary manner to motivate the society to protect women's rights. What is your view?

A: NGOs and INGOs along with the government agencies including my Ministry do everything possible to improve the lot of women. I strongly believe that the government alone cannot achieve development targets.

The support of NGOs, INGOs and the private sector is vital to reach sustainable development targets. Women and child development projects should be made more practical.

We should go to the grass roots rather than spend millions of rupees to hold seminars and workshops at posh hotels.

Solutions should be evolved with the participation of the rural womenfolk. Wastage and corruption should be eliminated and every cent collected used for the benefit of women and child development.