Legal and Human Rights Workshop Empowers Women Through Knowledge, Equality and Access to Justice
Kurunegala, Sri Lanka – 11 August 2026 – The Ninth District Chapter of the Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl initiative commenced with the successful completion of its first Legal and Human Rights Workshop for Women at the Kobeigane Divisional Secretary’s Auditorium in the Kurunegala District.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Mr. Shantha Dalugamage, Founder and CEO of Stichting Mission Lanka, with generous financial support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The workshop focused on strengthening women’s awareness and understanding of their fundamental rights, legal protection, gender equality, and access to justice. More than 50 women participated in the interactive programme, engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and exploring ways to strengthen empowerment within their communities.
Strengthening Awareness of Women’s Rights
The workshop addressed several important areas relevant to women’s empowerment and protection, including:
- Women’s Rights
- Gender Equality
- Legal Protection
- Access to Justice
- Gender Sensitivity
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
The programme encouraged participants to better understand their rights and responsibilities while building confidence to seek appropriate support and protection when facing legal or social challenges.
Linking Human Rights and Environmental Protection
A key component of the workshop was an introduction to the global advocacy initiative surrounding the Stop Ecocide Law.
The session highlighted the important connection between human rights and environmental protection, encouraging participants to consider their role as community leaders in promoting environmental responsibility, justice, peace, and sustainable development.
Participants were encouraged to become active contributors to creating healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities.
Expert Legal Guidance
Mr. N. L. A. Kalam, Attorney-at-Law and Regional Coordinator (Puttalam) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, served as the Resource Person for the workshop.
He provided participants with valuable legal insights and practical guidance concerning human rights, legal protection mechanisms, and access to justice.
The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to engage in meaningful discussions and gain a better understanding of the legal resources and avenues available to them.
Supporting Continued Learning
At the conclusion of the programme, all participants received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their involvement.
Participants were also provided with educational book packs containing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The educational materials were provided through the support of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, helping participants continue their learning and develop greater awareness of human rights and women’s rights.
Community Collaboration
The programme was successfully coordinated by Mr. Sanka Jayanath and Mr. Anusha Indrajith, Programme Coordinators of Mission Lanka Foundation.
Special appreciation was extended to the staff of the Kobeigane Divisional Secretariat for their valuable support in providing the venue and facilitating the successful implementation of the workshop.
Continuing the Empower Her Mission
The launch of the Ninth District Chapter in Kurunegala marks another step in the continuing expansion of the Empower Her initiative across Sri Lanka.
Through legal and human rights education, the programme seeks to strengthen women’s knowledge, confidence, leadership, and ability to participate meaningfully within their communities.
The initiative reflects Mission Lanka Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing women’s rights, gender equality, human rights education, access to justice, and community-based empowerment across Sri Lanka.
By investing in knowledge and awareness, the programme aims to contribute to stronger communities where every woman can enjoy dignity, equality, justice, protection, and opportunity.
