More Than 100 Schoolgirls Empowered Through Human Rights Education and Leadership Development
Vavuniya, Sri Lanka – 16 July 2026 – The Eighth District Chapter of the “Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl” initiative was officially launched with the successful completion of its first Legal and Human Rights Workshop at Cheddikulam Maha Vidyalaya in the Vavuniya District.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Mr. Shantha Dalugamage, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stichting Mission Lanka, with generous financial support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The workshop brought together more than 100 schoolgirls, providing them with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of their rights, leadership responsibilities, and the importance of building an inclusive and equitable society.
Promoting Human Rights and Gender Equality
The workshop focused on strengthening awareness in several key areas, including:
- Human Rights
- Child Rights
- Gender Sensitivity
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with special emphasis on SDG 5: Gender Equality
Participants were encouraged to understand their rights, respect the rights of others, and become confident leaders capable of contributing positively to their schools, families, and communities.
Environmental Responsibility and Global Citizenship
As part of the programme, students were also introduced to the global advocacy efforts of Stop Ecocide International, highlighting the relationship between environmental protection and human rights.
The session encouraged participants to become responsible environmental stewards and active citizens committed to building a peaceful, sustainable, and environmentally responsible future.
Expert Guidance on Legal Rights
The workshop featured Mr. N. L. A. Kalam, Attorney-at-Law and Regional Coordinator (Puttalam) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, as the Resource Person.
Through practical presentations and interactive discussions, he provided participants with valuable insights into:
- Legal rights and protections
- Child protection mechanisms
- Human rights responsibilities
- Access to justice
- Available legal support services
His sessions encouraged students to better understand how legal knowledge can empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Supporting Future Leaders
At the conclusion of the workshop:
- Certificates of Participation were awarded to all participants.
- Educational book packs containing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) were distributed through the generous support of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, encouraging continued learning and youth leadership development.
Collaborative Community Partnership
The programme was successfully coordinated by Mr. Sanka Jayanath and Ms. Anusha Indrajith, Programme Coordinators of Mission Lanka Foundation, whose dedication contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the initiative.
Special appreciation is also extended to the Principal, teachers, and students of Cheddikulam Maha Vidyalaya for their warm hospitality and valuable support in hosting the programme.
Continuing the Empower Her Mission Across Sri Lanka
The launch of the Eighth District Chapter represents another important milestone in the Empower Her initiative, further expanding access to human rights education, gender equality awareness, and youth empowerment throughout Sri Lanka.
Through partnerships with schools, communities, and international organisations, Mission Lanka Foundation continues its commitment to promoting women’s rights, child rights, environmental responsibility, and sustainable community development.
By investing in education, leadership, and human rights awareness, the initiative helps create opportunities for young women and girls to become confident leaders capable of building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
