Editor

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) at the University of Jaffna (UOJ) organized a successful three-hour workshop on February 14^th, 2024, as part of the Community-Based Global Rising Freedom Festival. The event, aligned with the 1 billion Rising 2024 campaign, focused on the role of women entrepreneurs in gender mainstreaming. Coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.) Dilogini Sangarathas, the workshop emphasized empowerment and community connection, featuring interactive activities and discussions on overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Prof. Shivany Shanmugathas, Director of CGEE. Prof. She set the tone for the proceedings, incorporating a special poem that served as a poignant platform to raise awareness about gender violence and highlight success stories in entrepreneurship. Led by resource persons Dr.(Mrs.)Dilogini Sangarathas, Mrs.Thasika Thanushan, Dr.Karunaithas Rasaratnam, Mr.Thileepan Thiraviyanathan and Ms.Grace Hyacinth Hensman, the session engaged Fifteen women entrepreneurs in a series of interactive role-playing activities. The workshop program offered a diverse array of activities to engage participants and enhance learning and collaboration. Participants engaged in role-playing exercises, sharing experiences and strategies to drive gender equality and societal advancement. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in fostering inclusive practices and community engagement for broader societal impact.

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony The certificate awarding ceremony of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies program at the University of Jaffna, held on January 31^st, 2024, at the Hoover Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, was a significant milestone in acknowledging the accomplishments of twenty-two (22) students who completed the program. Organized by the Women Education & Research Centre (WERC) in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) and the Staff Development Centre (SDC) at UoJ, the event featured speeches, performances, and awards underscoring the importance of women’s education and collective action for gender equality. Mrs. J. Shiromi Leonard, Secretary at Shanthiham-Association for Health and Counselling, a special guest, delivered an insightful speech emphasizing the significance of women’s empowerment. The ceremony ended in the recognition of students’ dedication and support from various parties and CGEE members, symbolizing a collective step towards gender equity and inclusive societies.

Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), together with the Women’s Education & Research Centre (WERC) and the Staff Development Centre (SDC) at the University of Jaffna (UOJ), arranged a dynamic field visit on January 13^th, 2024, in Kandawalai, Kilinochi under the Certificate course in women’s studies. Dr. (Mrs.) Dilogini Sangarathas coordinated the event, which brought together CGEE director, members, Women’s Studies Certificate Program students, and women entrepreneurs to discourse gender issues and empowerment. The day featured cultural performances, speeches by Prof. Shivany Shanmugathas and Ms. R. Vinothini, and interactive sessions. Participants shared experiences, showcased talents, and reflected on their commitment to gender fair-mindedness. The event concluded with gratitude to all involved, marking a significant step in fostering dialogue and community empowerment for gender equity.

In the endeavour to cultivate a secure and inclusive academic environment, the She Leads Program launched an impactful awareness initiative at the University of Jaffna (UoJ). The program employed a dynamic approach, utilizing a deliberately organized compelling awareness program to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) gave unwavering support and financial contributions played a pivotal role in the successful execution of our awareness program.

The pinnacle of this initiative was the She Leads Program’s Awareness Event held on December 8th, 2023, at the Library mini auditorium, UoJ. 10 students from each faculty at the University of Jaffna actively participated in the program, ensuring a broad representation and engagement across various academic disciplines. The event boasted a carefully curated guest list, thoughtfully representing diverse facets of the university community. This selected group played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, facilitating informed discussions, and collectively addressing issues related to sexual and gender-based violence within the university.

Collaborative efforts from esteemed individuals from the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) enriched the program as resource persons are Dr. (Mrs.) Dilogini Sangarathas (Chairperson of the Research and Education Committee, CGEE), Mrs. Thasika Thanushan (Chairperson of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, CGEE), Dr. Karunaithas Rasaratnam (Chairperson of the Grievance Committee, CGEE) and Mr. Thileepan Thiraviyanathan (Coordinator of the GEE Cell, Faculty of Arts, UoJ).

The success of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies is the impactful platform it has created for participants. The student presentations held on December 16th, 2023, covering a diverse range of topics related to gender issues, signify the depth and breadth of the knowledge gained during the course. The course’s objective to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to advocate for gender equality and contribute to societal betterment is reflected in the students’ presentations. By addressing various issues related to women and girls in society and proposing solutions, participants have demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact.

The inclusion of panel members; Prof. (Ms.) S. Shanmugathas (Director/CGEE, UoJ), Prof. R. Vijayakumaran (Director/Staff Development Centre, University of Jaffna) and Dr. (Ms.) In evaluating students’ presentations, D.Sangarathas (Senior Lecturer, UoJ/ Field Coordinator(Part-Time)/TAF Project) adds a valuable dimension to the assessment process. Their expertise in the field would undoubtedly contribute to providing insightful comments and suggestions for improving the student’s final extended essay submission.

E in CGEE in collaboration with WERC conducted a certificate course for women’s students from August to December

On August 5, 2023, the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) in collaboration with the Staff Development Centre (SDC) at the University of Jaffna and the Women’s Education and Research Centre in Colombo officially launched a certificate course in Women’s Studies. This course aims to enhance understanding and awareness of gender issues, promoting equity and empowerment among participants.

Centre for Gender Equity /Equality organized its 17th TOT session at the University of Jaffna. Learning to live with diversity is a course to be taught to the staff and students in all public universities in Sri Lanka. This TOT is the second phase of the Study on ragging and SGBV in the higher education system. Prof.Hemamali Gunathilake Director CGEE, UGC  , and Dr.Pirapha Manurathne Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya contributed as resources persons 53 academic staff participate in this session held on 28th of July 2023 at the physics mini auditorium

UN Resident Representative Azusakubotavisited the University of Jaffna on 13^th of July 2023 and met the Vice-chancellor, CGEE committee. She discussed the future work of UN in collaboration with Jaffna University. She discussed with the student representatives from all faculties of the University. She was honored with the paintings, which were selected as the best among the pool of drawings collected for the drawing exhibition conducted by CGEE in collaboration with UNDP.

In this programme CGEE team has linked the Donors and the women who need help to continue, start, empower their livelihoods, and fulfil their ambitions in fine Arts. CGEE team believes that supporting women in need is the social responsibility of the Centre as the unit of the social institution.  Empowering women is a key to recovering and escaping from Gender-based violence, because domestic violence as the form of SGBV, directly and indirectly, influences gender equity and equality in universities as well as communities.

The event networking the Donors and women in need was celebrated on the 8^th of June 2023 at the District Secretariat Kilinochchi. Vice chancellor Prof.S.Srissartkunarajah GA Kilinochchi, women development officers, Women federation members, CGEE members participated in this event.  The event started with the Vice chancellor’s remarks.  8 donors, their representatives, and 6bwomen in need, CGEE members, other invitees participated in this event. CGEE member a welcome song was sung by, the visually and physically disabled woman Ms Vinothini who received the donation at the phase 1 programme.  Donors handed over their donations valued amount 600,000Rs to women through the Vice-chancellor. Appreciation certificates to the donators were issued.