Geneva: Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, presented the progress made since the submission of Sri Lanka’s 9th periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva. Outlining notable progress, particularly in decision-making roles, Minister Paulraj emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of women and girls and advancing gender equality across all sectors while addressing challenges in economic, social, and cultural spheres.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, Minister Paulraj highlighted the election of 22 female Parliamentarians from diverse social backgrounds, including working-class and marginalized communities. This includes the historic election of two women parliamentarians from the Malayaga community and the appointment of Sri Lanka’s third female Prime Minister, who garnered the highest number of preferential votes from the Colombo district.
The Minister also detailed achievements and ongoing efforts to promote gender equity and ensure women’s participation in decision-making across various sectors. She emphasized the vital role of women in driving the economy, particularly in garments, plantations, and as migrant workers, and discussed government measures to support women in both formal and informal economic sectors through awareness programs, capacity development, financial assistance, and social welfare facilities.
The delegation addressed actions taken to revitalize the rural economy and eradicate poverty, highlighting the disproportionate economic impact on women. The review also offered an opportunity to inform the Committee about key policy and legislative reforms, such as the establishment of a National Women’s Commission under the Women Empowerment Act No 37 of 2024 and the first National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security for 2023 to 2027. The launch of a Multi-sectoral National Action Plan (NAP) to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for 2024-2028 and steps to combat online gender-based violence were also underscored.
Sri Lanka ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1981, the same year the Convention came into force. The CEDAW Committee, comprising 23 independent experts, monitors the implementation of the Convention. The Committee appreciated the constructive and respectful nature of the dialogue conducted.
The all-female Sri Lanka delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka Police, and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva.