This panel brings together women who work on combating violence against women and strengthening the ability of women to fight back, but with diverse experiences, philosophies and ideas. Let’s see what ideas they come up with for a future of combating, and eliminating, violence against women in all its manifestations! Moderated by Shreen Saroor.
Language: Sinhala/English
Age suitability: All ages
Shreen is a feminist working with war-affected women in the North of Sri Lanka for more than two decades. She has also been involved with the campaign to reform Muslim Personal Laws in Sri Lanka along with other Muslim women activists. Shreen is a founder of the Mannar Women's Development Forum (MWDF) and Women's Action Network (WAN).
Sachini is a Sri Lankan activist currently based in Malaysia. She has a background in law and journalism and has worked in communications and advocacy with feminist and women’s rights organizations for the last decade. Her current focus areas include technology-related violence against women as well as harmonization of the human rights framework and the sustainable development framework to advance women’s rights. Sachini is part of IWRAW Asia Pacific, a member of RESURJ and Founder of Ghosha.
Ms. Ermiza Tegal is an Attorney at Law with a Masters Degree in Law, Governance, and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) London. Her legal practice primarily is in the area of Fundamental Rights and legal issues of women and children. She also collaborates with a number of local NGOs on human rights issues. She is also currently involved in is advising the National Women's Committee on legislative changes to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.
Sumika Perera has been working close to her community since her early 20’s dedicating her life as a community worker. She has been leading many movements at the grassroots level speaking on behalf of farmers, labourers, and women in her community. She has over 25 years of experience in the field as a community worker and has worked in the women’s movement in Sri Lanka helping at many different levels to shape the community thinking.
Dhiviya has been involved with women’s rights over the past 17 years. She was introduced to Wenlido in 2002 and has been teaching Wenlido since. She also works with youth on issues relating to gender and sexuality, violence prevention, peace and conflict transformation.