Colombo, March 8, 2024 – In a celebration of empowerment, advocacy, and solidarity, a diverse gathering of hundred of individuals from various sectors including school students, undergraduates, the general public, and youth gathered at One Galle Face Mall on March 8, 2024, to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event, organized by the Road to Rights youth-led organization, witnessed an array of impactful discussions, a groundbreaking platform launch, and a poetry reading that left an indelible mark on the audience. ‘The Road to Rights,’ is an organization that has tirelessly championed the empowerment of youth through a rights-based approach to peace and sustainable development.

The event started with opening remarks by Ashan Perera, the founder of The Road to Rights, who emphasized the pivotal role of empowering women in leadership for a sustainable and better future. This set the tone for a day dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering positive change. “Women are the silent architects of change, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. It’s time to break free from inequality and oppression, ushering in a future of equality and empowerment.” – Ashan Perera

A significant moment of the event was the launch of the #BreakFree national resource platform on Gender Equality. This platform aims to provide educational resources, tool kits, and case studies for youth who are championing gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. It also lists various organizations and individuals working on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment so that anyone from any part of the country can connect and lead change in their respective communities through collaborations.

Following the platform launch, an engaging panel discussion unfolded under the theme, “Empowering Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change.” Moderated by Piyumani Ranasinghe, a researcher and attorney-at-law, the panel included esteemed guests Saranee Gunathilaka, an attorney at law, Jerusha Crosette Thambiah, attorney at law and gender consultant, Eneeshya Perera, senior strategist on finance and senior assistant vice president at John Keells Group, and Thamara De Silva, OIC Women and Children Bureau Kelaniya Division. They explored pressing issues facing women in Sri Lanka, from breaking glass ceilings to combating gender-based violence, and emphasized the need for female leadership in rebuilding the nation. The engaging dialogue, followed by a lively Q&A session, underscored the urgency of advancing gender equality for a brighter future.

Adding a touch of artistic expression to the event, Ms. Grace Wickremasinghe delivered a powerful poetry reading on gender-based violence. Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring the urgency for societal change.

The event was made possible through the support of various partners, including One Galle Face Mall, Dream Team Pvt Ltd, FOX 91.4 Radio, YAMAHA Music Centre, Kelani Valley Plantations, Thuru, Chester College of Higher Education, and 11 youth organizations.

After the #BreakFree forum, an Open Mic Night showcased inspirational speeches and musical performances, sparking powerful discussions on gender equality. Attendees shared personal experiences, fostering unity, and commitment to dismantling gender-based barriers. The celebration of International Women’s Day at One Galle Face Mall proved to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all participants and reaffirming the commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event inspired many young people to be the face of change, and as it concluded, the echoes of shared experiences and aspirations continued to reverberate, inspiring positive change in the days and years to come.

#Road2Rights #SriLanka #BreakFree #InternationalWomensDay · #WomensDay · #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment ·

#GirlPower · #Feminism