Over 100 Schoolgirls Participate in Human Rights and Gender Equality Awareness Program
Mannar, Sri Lanka – 16 June 2026 – The first program of the Mannar District – Seventh Chapter under the Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl initiative was successfully conducted at St. Xavier’s Girls’ College, Mannar, bringing together more than 100 schoolgirls for a comprehensive Legal and Human Rights Workshop.
program was organized under the leadership of Shantha Dalugamage, Founder and CEO of Stichting Mission Lanka, with generous support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The workshop was designed to strengthen awareness and understanding of fundamental rights while empowering young women to become informed, confident, and active members of society.
Promoting Human Rights and Gender Equality
Participants received valuable knowledge and practical guidance on a range of important topics, including:
- Human Rights
- Child Rights
- Gender Sensitivity
- Gender Equality
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls
The program encouraged participants to understand their rights, recognize their potential, and actively contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
Environmental Responsibility and Global Citizenship
A special session introduced participants to the international movement led by Stop Ecocide International, highlighting the importance of environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible citizenship.
Students were encouraged to recognize the connection between human rights and environmental justice and to become future leaders committed to protecting both people and the planet.
Expert Legal Guidance
The workshop was facilitated by N. L. A. Kalam, Attorney-at-Law and Regional Coordinator (Puttalam) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, who served as the resource person for the event.
Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants gained a deeper understanding of legal rights, personal protection, and the role of young people in promoting justice and equality.
Certificates and Educational Resources
At the conclusion of the workshop:
- Certificates of Participation were awarded to all participants.
- Educational book packs were distributed to support continued learning and leadership development.
The book packs included publications on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), provided by United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights.
Strengthening Community Empowerment
The program was coordinated by Sanka Jayanath and Anusha Indrajith, Program Coordinators of Mission Lanka Foundation.
Special appreciation was extended to the Principal, teachers, and students of St. Xavier’s Girls’ College, Mannar, for their support and commitment in hosting this important initiative.
Building a Better Future for Women and Girls
The Mannar workshop marks another significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Empower Her initiative across Sri Lanka.
By promoting human rights education, gender equality, child rights awareness, environmental responsibility, and leadership development, the project continues to contribute towards creating a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, opportunity, and confidence.
Mission Lanka Foundation remains committed to empowering communities and supporting the next generation of women leaders across Sri Lanka.
