The Center for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) of the University of Jaffna organized the “Pre-Symposium Stakeholders’ Workshop” on 30th September 2024 at Saraswati Hall, as part of the lead-up to the Viyomam International Research Symposium – 2024. This event was a key feature of the University of Jaffna’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and formed a crucial component of the Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE-2024). The Pre-Symposium Stakeholders’ Workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing discussions around gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).
The Viyomam International Research Symposium – 2024, with its theme “Multidisciplinary and Integrated Perspectives on Gender Mainstreaming”, will serve as a dynamic platform for global scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. It aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing on gender-related issues, promoting equity and social justice. By inviting submissions of abstracts of research, case studies, success stories, and project reports, the symposium will highlight diverse perspectives and innovative approaches toward achieving gender equality.
The Pre-Symposium Stakeholders’ Workshop was fully sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including INGOs, NGOs, government agencies, service-based private organizations, international organizations, and 100 representatives from community organizations. This collaborative gathering provided a platform for key voices to engage in meaningful discussions on GESI, laying the groundwork for the upcoming symposium.
Participants at the workshop focused on critical issues related to GESI, exchanging ideas and experiences to shape future actions in both local and global contexts. The workshop facilitated in-depth dialogues among stakeholders, enhancing understanding and fostering partnerships for collaborative action.
This workshop is a crucial step toward advancing gender equity and equality, not only in Sri Lanka but also globally. By bringing together a broad range of stakeholders, the University of Jaffna, in collaboration with UNDP, is creating a platform for ongoing dialogue and action on GESI. The discussions during the workshop informed the specifics of the Viyomam International Research Symposium – 2024, ensuring that the voices of rural communities and other key groups are heard in the global conversation on gender mainstreaming.
The Pre-Symposium Stakeholders’ Workshop was an enriching and insightful event, setting the stage for the upcoming Viyomam International Research Symposium – 2024. The University of Jaffna’s commitment to promoting gender equity and interdisciplinary collaboration was evident throughout the workshop, and the event successfully paved the way for more inclusive and impactful discussions at the symposium. With the support of partners like UNDP, the University of Jaffna is positioned to lead in the global effort toward achieving gender equality and social inclusion.
