Gender equality in Sri Lanka - better than the west

by Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson

Time for celebration. Sri Lanka emerged 15th in the global "gender gap" ranking, faring better than most Asian countries, except for Philippinnes (6) and even better than some European countries in terms of granting equal opportunities for women.

In fact, Sri Lanka has been marked ahead of United States (31), Switzerland (40), France (51) and Italy (94) while Nordic countries continue to lead the way in equal opportunities for women, as revealed by a survey by the World Economic Forum.

Cheers! Mahinda Chinthana has given top priority and a special place for women and these findings would connote that the government had fulfilled their agenda for women in Sri Lanka; a state of positive thinking for all women activists that elimination of violence against women is not afar.

At a recent workshop themed "Combatting violence against women through multi-sectorial interventions" presented by the Zonta Club 1 of Colombo where country papers were presented by participants, women were candid about their thoughts and what was most inspiring was a message rendered by Indrani Sugathadasa, Secretary, Ministry of Child Development and Women's Empowerment stating that the ministry had gone a step ahead by setting up over hundred special committees, especially in government institutions to investigate into sexual harassment, protection of women and women's rights and ensure equal opportunity, counselling services and other related issues.

The governments's effort and top priority to eliminate violence against women is appreciated, a positive approach, a step in the right direction which has been contributory to the gender equality findings of the World Economic Forum which put Sri Lanka at the 15th position globally.

Combating violence against women in Sri Lanka is the key area of the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Empowerment. A hand shake to the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Empowerment too for their invaluable contribution.

Many organisations have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this a reality and the Zonta Clubs' contribution is commendable.

At the forum organised by the Zonta Club 1 the voice of women came out strong: Women are potential victims of violence at every state of their lives globally; from parental selection and female infanticide at birth to sexual harassment, abuse and assault, forced prostitution and trafficking, rape, domestic violence and battering and in this perspective women have to join hands to come to the forefront to combat violence globally, it is the need of the hour.

Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa addressing the forum said violence can be broadly classified as physical and mental and more women go through mental violence and verbal abuse in the upper middle class.

Violence begins at home with the husband. It is important to inculcate the correct concepts in the minds of children. Learning to respect mothers is important.

Legal deterrents should be compulsory and awareness raising programmes and the counselling aspect have to be given priority. Media should be sensitive and highlight the psycho-social problems faced by women in society in order that the relevant authorities could undo the wrong.

This I thought was sound advice, a message that should reach society at large. Gender equality is the finest life long discipline anyone could uphold for a good yesterday, a better today and the best tomorrow.

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