COLOMBO – In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka hosted a policy and research forum Wednesday,(27 August). The forum, titled “Unlocking the Gender Dividend: Driving Policy Change Through Knowledge,” marked the official launch of four landmark reports that provide policymakers, researchers, and civil society, with critical evidence and policy recommendations to address persistent gender inequalities and emerging challenges in Sri Lanka and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The newly launched reports are:
Barriers to Women’s Political Participation in Sri Lanka
Gendered Vulnerabilities to Climate Change in Sri Lanka in the Context of the Economic Crisis
Gender Discrimination in Sri Lanka: Law, Policy and Practice
Research Study on Technology-Facilitated Violence Experienced by Women, Girls, LGBTQIA+ Persons, and Ethnic Minorities in Sri Lanka
Key findings in the report “Counting and valuing women’s work in Sri Lanka” were also presented, providing a comprehensive evidence base to guide future policy and programming.
The event featured a keynote address by the Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and a high-level panel discussion with leaders from the government, academia, and civil society to discuss the findings and chart a path forward for policy implementation.
Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, speaking at the event emphasized, “Our government is committed to using evidence-based approaches to create a Sri Lanka where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. The insights from these reports are invaluable in shaping future policies that address gender disparities. Gender equality is not a “women’s issue” but a societal challenge that requires every sector to show up differently. It rests on a principle that is at the heart of democracy: every woman and girl must be able to live with dignity, to be safe, and to contribute fully to the life of our country. When that is true, the whole nation moves.”
Kunle Adeniyi, Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka, noted, “Data and research are the compass that can guide our nation towards a more equitable and prosperous future. The reports we are launching provide the evidence needed to understand the root causes of gender inequality. By translating this knowledge into actionable policy, we can unlock the full potential of women and girls, which is essential for driving sustainable national development.”
This forum has laid the foundation for turning evidence into action and strengthening collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners. With these insights in hand, Sri Lanka is better equipped to close gender gaps and move closer to achieving its national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ayuni Munasinghe, Strategic Communications & Advocacy Analyst | munasinghe@unfpa.org | 077 199 8845
Pavani Hapuarachchi, Communications and Advocacy Officer | hapuarachchi@unfpa.org | 077 839 8778
About UNFPA Sri Lanka: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. In Sri Lanka, UNFPA works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
