ViEquality - "Creating Change, One Voice at a Time"
A world whose voices, particularly those of women, have not yet found their full resonance can be found in the peaceful settings of estate villages, which are frequently obstructed by the haze of hard work and traditional customs. In light of this, as the 2nd phase of Project Diyani 8.0, Leo Club of University of Colombo held an awareness campaign on gender equality, equal rights, women's maltreatment, and the value of education. This was held 29th December 2024.
The session began with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an open and supportive environment. W.S.I.Liyanage addressed one of the most critical topics in our project,"women abuse" a pervasive issue in estate communities that often goes unnoticed and unreported. Many women in these communities endure physical, emotional, and financial abuse in silence, unaware of their rights or afraid of societal repercussions.Mr. Ayeshmantha Gayan, who is a lawyer and a lecturer, made them aware of the importance of labour laws and their role in creating fair and equitable workplaces. For many estate workers, especially women, understanding their workplace rights is the first step toward empowerment.As part of the session, we discussed how labour laws protect workers from harassment and exploitation. Many participants, particularly women, were unaware of their rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections against workplace violence. The discussion inspired a deeper understanding of how laws can be a powerful tool for fostering equality and dignity in the workplace.
Women in these communities face challenges ranging from domestic violence and gender inequality to limited access to education.A significant portion of the session was carried out by Miss Subodhi Hansani, who is a human skills development counsellor and child psychological counsellor, and an announcer focused on the importance of mental health and counseling. Many attendees had never considered counseling as a resource for dealing with trauma or conflict. We explained how professional counselors provide a safe, confidential space to address their problems.A defining moment of the project was a motivational speech delivered by 2nd VP of Leo Club of University of Colombo Pabasara Jayasinghe, whose words left an indelible mark on the participants.She emphasized the importance of taking small but consistent steps toward change, whether it was speaking out against abuse, supporting each other as a community, or ensuring every child, especially girls, received an education.
As the session concluded, the participants expressed gratitude for creating a safe space to discuss such sensitive topics. They appreciated the practical advice, resources, and encouragement to seek help and stand up for their rights.This awareness session was a reminder that change begins with a conversation.Every step toward awareness is a step toward equality, safety, and opportunity. Together, we can break barriers, rebuild lives, and create communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.
- By Leo Kavindhi Samaranayaka -
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