International Women's Day - 2020

"I have Dignity just like you", focusing on the Dignity of women, the International Women's day was held on the 07th March 2020 at Fatima Shrine Padiwatte Parish hall organized by the Human Rights Office in Kandy along with the women headed families.    
125 participants from the families of the disappeared, the families of the prisoners, the survivors of torture and their families, the members of the support group and the staff of the Human Rights Office participated in the day’s programme.

Mr. Mahinda Namal was the guest speaker, a reputed resource person, instructor at the Holy Cross Convent Kalutara. As customary the traditional oil lamp was lit, invoking blessing on all the participants followed by an introduction to the theme on “Dignity of Women” by Fr. Nandana Manatunga, the director of the Human Rights Office. Welcoming the participants, a welcome dance was staged by the children of the families of the disappeared.

The guest speaker Me. Mahinda Namal then took over the stage and made a very powerful presentation on the worth of womanhood & her dignity. He spoke at length and made clear that it only the woman who could give life and at any stage of the life of a woman, she should not regret being a woman. Further he said the women should not under estimate their strength. The differences between man and woman should be understood and he sighted several examples of women who changed the whole society having understood their strength and challenged the evil structures.

The Kandy families of the disappeared then staged a drama depicting instances where women lose dignity when they are weak. Women’s groups also presented few other items, capturing the theme of the day. Women's groups that were present introduced their members while some of the participants shared their stories. The day's programme was concluded with a fellowship lunch shared by all the participants