More Than 100 Schoolgirls Gain Knowledge on Human Rights, Child Rights and Gender Equality
Kurunegala, Sri Lanka – 12 August 2026 – The second programme of the Kurunegala District – Ninth Chapter under the “Empower Her: Ensuring Equal Rights for Every Woman and Girl” initiative was successfully conducted on 12 August 2026 at Pannawa Muslim Central College, Kurunegala District.
The Legal and Human Rights Workshop for Women and Girls 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 Maldives.
More than 100 schoolgirls participated in the programme, gaining essential knowledge and practical understanding of human rights, child rights, gender sensitivity, and sustainable development.
Focus on Human Rights and Gender Equality
The workshop addressed several important areas, including:
- Human Rights
- Child Rights
- Gender Sensitivity
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality
The programme encouraged young participants to understand their rights and responsibilities while developing confidence to become active and responsible members of their communities.
Connecting Human Rights with Environmental Protection
Participants were also introduced to the international advocacy efforts of Stop Ecocide International.
The session highlighted the connection between human rights and environmental protection, encouraging young people to become responsible environmental stewards and contribute to a just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Legal Knowledge and Access to Justice
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.
Through informative presentations and practical guidance, participants gained greater awareness of legal rights, protection mechanisms, and available avenues for seeking justice.
Educational Resources for Young Leaders
At the conclusion of the programme, 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 also distributed.
The educational materials were provided through the support of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, supporting continued learning and the development of future youth leaders.
Community Collaboration
The programme was successfully coordinated by Mr. Sanka Jayanath and Ms. Anusha Indrajith, Programme Coordinators of Mission Lanka Foundation.
Special appreciation was extended to the Principal, teachers, and students of Pannawa Muslim Central College for their warm hospitality and valuable support in hosting the initiative.
Continuing the Empower Her Mission
The programme represents another important step in the expansion of the Empower Her initiative across Sri Lanka.
Through human rights education and community-based programmes, Mission Lanka Foundation continues to promote women’s rights, child rights, gender equality, environmental responsibility, and youth empowerment.
By providing young girls with knowledge about their rights and opportunities, the initiative aims to contribute to a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, opportunity, and hope.
