SRI LANKA IN ACTION FOR SHEDECIDES DAY 2020

Creating a world where She Decides, the Shedecides

Movement stands rooted on the credence of the right of every girl and every woman to make their own choices and their own decisions, to enjoy absolute body autonomy free from violence and harm and to have access to the good healthcare and the right education she deserves. It’s a movement fighting against discrimination.

Shedecides was launched by former Dutch Minister Lilianne Ploumen and on 2nd March 2017, the first ever Shedecides pledging conference took place in Brussels, Belgium marking the annual Shedecides Day that is celebrated globally. Today the movement is backed by over 50,000 individuals, 300 organizations and over 40 global champions advocating in its name.

Sri Lanka too called in a day of action to celebrate Shedecides Day on 2nd March 2020 in collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands by hosting an interactive discussion on Leveraging Change with Digital Media (Empowering the Digital Nomads). Sonali Silva, Shedecides Champion representing Sri Lanka, brought together key activists and organizations in the country that work and champion for the rights of women and sexual minorities to connect them to digital platforms to support and supplement their work.

This year’s global theme for Shedecides Day 2020 was #Newnormal, setting precedent for a new world where women decide about their bodies, their lives and their futures free from violence, pressure, judgement or fear.

Hosting the discussion at her residence, Netherlands Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp stated that ‘we have to work towards a ‘New Normal’ for a world where girls, women and members of the LGBTQI community can decide about their bodies and their lives’. “Today, I was so impressed and touched while listening to the stories of these strong women and men who work every day to make this a reality.”

Organizations such as Family Planning Association (FPA), Equal Ground, Hashtag Generation, Arka Initiative, Grassrooted Trust, National Transgender Network along with other individual activists for human rights and the LGBT + communities were present at the discussion and engaged in conversation about their work, the challenges and the support required.

“Shedecides Day was a great opportunity to exchange information about the work I am doing with other like-minded folks in the sector. Quite often we tend to work with tunnel vision, not realizing that we have much to learn from others doing similar kind of work. Sonali Silva has been a great ally and supporter to highlight marginalized issues,” commented Sriyal Nilanka from the FPA.

Shedecides Champion for Sri Lanka, Sonali, highlighted that the discussion ‘was an opportunity to showcase our solidarity and strength by demonstrating the individual and collective commitment to progressing sexual reproductive health and rights here in Sri Lanka.’

“This Shedecides Day we thought of celebrating young activists and grassroots organizations creating waves of change in their community. It was a safe space to hear about the fuel that drives our activism and find areas to collaborate on because we are stronger when we work together.” She concludes, “I want to thank Ambassador Tanja and the diplomatic mission of the Netherlands for their support and generosity in creating a world where ‘Shedecides, Without Question.”

In a population where 50.7% are women; can Sri Lanka create it’s very own Newnormal? The Shedecides Movement certainly aims to.

In a population where 50.7% are women; can Sri Lanka create it’s very own Newnormal?