“The women can be empowered only through providing them a developed educational and vocational competency helping them to attain secured jobs and removing the legal and social barriers that prevents them from reaching positions of social leadership”, says President Maithripala Sirisena.
Issuing a message for International Women’s Day, he stated that the women in Sri Lanka have become the main source of earning foreign exchange as expatriate workers, apparel industry employees and the workers in the plantation sector. “But as a nation, we cannot be happy over their earnings when we consider the way in which some of them are exploited and the insecurity of their careers” he said.
Following is the message issued by President Sirisena;
The recognition which a society confers to its women is considered to be the yardstick of the development standard of that society.
The proverb, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” demonstrates that the Sri Lankan society throughout its history understood and acknowledged the respectable social status of women.
However, when we examine the situation in the present day, after passing several eras of severe economic and social transformation, we have to acknowledge that several issues have arisen regarding the role of the women. Even though, Sri Lanka was blessed with the first female Prime Minister and the Executive President in the world, the women and female children in this country are still facing issues of their safety.
The women in Sri Lanka have become the main source of earning foreign exchange as expatriate workers, apparel industry employees and the workers in the plantation sector. But as a nation, we cannot be happy over their earnings when we consider the way in which some of them are exploited and the insecurity of their careers.
The women can be empowered only through providing them a developed educational and vocational competency helping them to attain secured jobs and removing the legal and social barriers that prevents them from reaching positions of social leadership.
Demonstrating the government’s total commitment and the sensitivity regarding this issue, a bill was passed in the Parliament recently to ensure the representation of women in the Parliament and other political structures.
There should be a broad social discourse to ensure that the rights adopted through laws are established in the society. The International Women’s Day falls on March 08 will be an ideal platform to continue this discourse on women.
The message which is given to the society through this year’s theme of the national celebration of the International Women’s Day, “Empowered Women – Sustainable Future” emphasizes the need to empower women for the sustainable development. It is a matter for satisfaction that the civilized and cultured society without gender discrimination is taking this discourse forward.
