RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The South African High Commission in Colombo commemorated National Women’s Day in Sri Lanka with an event highlighting the courage, resilience and invaluable contribution of women to society.
The event was held under the patronage of South African High Commissioner Sandile Edwin Schalk on Friday, August 7, at the High Commission premises in Colombo.
National Women’s Day is observed annually in South Africa to honour the historic march of more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956, in protest against the apartheid pass laws. The day recognises the role of women in nation-building and reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
This year’s commemoration in Colombo brought together women from disadvantaged communities and representatives of civil society organisations. As part of the programme, the High Commission distributed food parcels to deserving women in recognition of Women’s Month and in solidarity with women facing socio-economic challenges.
The initiative was facilitated through the District Women Development Officer of the Colombo District Secretariat, in consultation with the Divisional Secretariats, and coordinated by Ms. Ashika Gunasena, Executive Director of Chrysalis.
Counsellor Political Ms. Nthabiseng Ramatshela and members of the High Commission staff were also present at the event.
