Sri Lanka joins orange campaign against gender-based violence and launches HeForShe
Date:
Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka, together with UN Women illuminated in orange the iconic Independence Square in Colombo to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign celebrated on December 10th. The event was hosted by Chief Guest, Minister of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka, Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe, the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC), Subinay Nandy, and UN Women Multi Country Office Deputy Representative Patricia Barandun.
Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior government officials and representatives of UN agencies, diplomatic missions, the private sector, civil society, youth leaders and the media lent their voice to spread the message of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
The event featured also the official launch of the HeForShe campaign in Sri Lanka. As announced during the ceremony, UN Women will partner with the NGO AIESEC to roll-out HeForShe in universities across the country.
Three HeForShe ‘Champions’ were recognised for their support and commitment towards gender equality: Mr. Nandy, UNRC in Sri Lanka and UNDP Resident Representative; Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative and Chair of the National Forum Against Gender-Based Violence; and Samith Siriwardana, President of AIESEC.
For more information:
Rineeta Naik
Communications Analyst
UN Women MCO for India, Bhutan,
Maldives and Sri Lanka
E-mail: [ Click to reveal ]