‘FREEDOM FOR HER’ – ADVOCATA
Advocata Institute Logo via Gnei Sumhiya Sallay
Article By Thamali Wijekoon
On the 7th of March 2022, the Advocata Institute – an independent think tank working to promote sound public policy ideas for a freer and a more prosperous Sri Lanka- launched a research study on ‘Gender Discriminatory Labor Laws in Sri Lanka and Female Labor Force Participation’ in celebration of International Women’s Day 2022 at the BMICH Lavender Hall.
The research titled “Freedom for Her” focuses on laws related to sexual harassment at the workplace, gender discriminatory laws on overtime, part-time work and nighttime work. The research was authored by Thiloka Yapa (Research Analyst), Tiffahny Hoole (Research Intern), Gnei Sumhiya Sallay (Programs Executive), Shenali Bamaramannage (Research Intern) & Jessica Peerez ( Research Intern) with editorial support from Sathya Karunaratne (Research analyst) and overall research supervision of Ayomi Fernando – Attorney at Law. Secondary research and supportive research documents were compiled by Hiruni Dabarera ( Research Intern), Draupadi Senanayake ( Research Intern), Shenali Wijesinghe (Research Intern), Anuka Ratnayake (Research Intern).
The team at Advocata Institute via Pulse
The event brought awareness to the topic amongst the general public, policymakers, social workers, researchers, social media influencers advocates and implementers.
Panelists for this discussion were:
- Hon. Thalatha Atukorale (Member of Parliament and Women Parliamentarians Caucus),
- Dr. Ramani Gunatilaka (Independent Consultant and Research Associate at ICES),
- Ayomi Fernando (Industrial Relation Advisor, Employers Federation of Ceylon)
- Thanuja Jayawardene (General Manager, Women’s Empowerment, Advocacy and Code of Conduct, MAS).
The event was moderated by Sathya Karunaratne.
Snapshots from the Freedom for Her event via Gnei Sumhiya Sallay
During the evening, the panelists had the opportunity to discuss topics and develop recommendations on the focus areas. The key topics included in the discussion were; The Women, Business and the Law Index; Discrimination in Overtime Work; Sexual Harassment in the Public Sector; and Adverse Impacts of the Non-Recognition of Part-Time Work.
The event followed a structured process of brainstorming and information exchange, a Q & A session and a cocktail party to wind up.
You can access the live session and also the e-copy of the report here:
