COLOMBO – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Child Development and Women Affairs, recently conducted a workshop to engage men in addressing gender-based violence in Sri Lanka. This was both a bold and a pioneering step – with the engagement of male ministers, policymakers and military officials – to inform on the role men can play in addressing gender-based violence.

It was reported that around 30-40 per cent of women in Sri Lanka suffer from some form of violence, including gender-based violence. In most cases, men are reported as the main perpetrators.

The workshop saw 140 men participants from diverse fields, including politicians, police officers, bankers, lawyers, military officials, trade union leaders, administrators, and representatives from the health, justice, transport and education sectors. A range of panel discussions, speeches, campaign advertisements and musical performances were featured at the workshop, aimed at changing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to join women in taking a stand against gender-based violence at home and in their community.

Several male government officials shared their insights about gender-based violence, and what they believe can be done to prevent it in the future. Transport Minister Kumara Welgama stressed the importance of encouraging women to take action against gender-based violence that occurs frequently in public transports. He pointed out that women refrain from doing corrective actions due to shyness, ignorance and fear. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Deputy Minister of Child Development and Women Affairs, further supported the statement, saying that “prevention of gender-based violence begins at home; all women should be treated the same way as you would treat your own mother or sister.” Tissa Karaliyadda, Minister of Child Development and Women Affairs, meanwhile emphasized that women have the right and freedom to dress as they like.

Indrani Sugathadasa, Chairperson of the Security and Exchange Commission, followed with a powerful statement underlining the importance of treating women as human beings, and that violence at homes will influence children’s behaviour later in life. She also advocated for more involvement by women in politics and for change in men’s attitudes towards women.

For more information, please contact: 
Lankani Sikurajapathy, tel. +94-11-2580840, +94-77-3411614, sikurajapathy@unfpa.org