On this International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, the global celebration of women’s accomplishments across diverse backgrounds, Sri Lanka joins in with a commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women, transcending barriers of race, religion, language, culture, economy, and politics.
The United Nations has designated the theme for 2024 as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ concentrating on addressing economic disempowerment. Simultaneously, the campaign theme for this year, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ underscores the crucial importance of diversity and empowerment across all sectors of society.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the drafting of two bills aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. In his message for International Women’s Day, he highlighted the completion of a five-year national action plan to prevent sexual and gender-based violence, which is set to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in his Women’s Day message, affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing ongoing programs focused on women’s nutrition, health, education, and the creation of new job opportunities, despite prevailing social challenges. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s goal of nurturing a resilient and productive generation of women, attuned to the demands of the modern world, by recognizing their knowledge, skills, and needs.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in his Women’s Day message, expressed his belief in restoring Sri Lanka to a leading position globally by harnessing the courage and strength of women. He lamented the nation’s failure to fully comprehend the resilience and fortitude of women, stressing the need for their empowerment through knowledge, technology, and versatile skills suitable for the contemporary world, making them the backbone of both the family and the nation. Source – newsfirst.lk
