Canada and UNFPA- Sri Lanka join forces on gender project

The Canadian High Commission and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of the '16 Days of Activism in Sri Lanka', co-hosted a panel discussion on December 7 on the importance of zero-tolerance for Gender-based Violence (GBV) within the workplace.

Entitled 'Engendering Change: Investing in a GBV-free Workplace', the panel discussion brought together more than 60 participants including leaders in the corporate sector, government officials, human rights activists, gender specialists, academics, members of the diplomatic community, and media representatives, to consider the heavy social and economic cost of GBV and to raise awareness on how investing in a GBV-free workplace will result in social and economic benefits. Representatives from leading Sri Lankan companies also shared important efforts they had undertaken to build GBVfree corporate cultures within their workplaces, a media release issued by the joint organisers said.

In her opening comments, Shelley Whiting, High Commissioner of Canada, noted: "the 16 Days of Activism is a time to reflect both on the horrible impact that gender-based violence has on women, their families, communities, and countries, and on the actions that can - and must - be taken individually and collectively to end it. Governments alone will not succeed in eliminating gender-based violence; we need the strong and committed engagement of all stakeholders".

Speaking at the event, Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said: "Gender-based violence is a global phenomenon that knows no geographical, cultural, social, economic, ethnic, or other boundaries. It occurs across all societies and represents a brutal violation of human rights".

Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister and Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Women in Parliaments Global Forum (WIP) served as the Chief Guest. Members of the panel

Speaking at the event, Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said: "Genderbased violence is a global phenomenon that knows no geographical, cultural, social, economic, ethnic, or other boundaries. It occurs across all societies and represents a brutal violation of human rights".

were: Ambika Satkunanathan, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka; Shaanaz Preena, Director, Women Go Beyond, MAS Holdings; Dhara Wijetileka, CEO, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; Puvaneswary Ponniah, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Manager, World University Services of Canada (WUSC); and Jayanthi Kuru_UthumpalaMountaineer, Feminist and Gender Activist.

With the support of WUSC-Sri Lanka, Dr. Sarah Saska, Gender and Innovation Specialist, Entrepreneur and Investor returned to Sri Lanka from Canada to participate in the panel and for a second WUSC/UNITERRA Leave for Change placement.

"Eliminating gender-based violence in public and private spheres, and achieving gender equality, women's empowerment, and economic and political participation are shared priorities for the Government of Canada and the UNFPA. When women and girls are given equal opportunities to succeed, we grow stronger communities and sustainable economies," the release said.