Report on the seminar on
WOMEN & DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION:
AN AGENDA FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Date: Friday, 16th June 2006, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
VENUE:
SRI
LANKA
INSTITUTE
OF
DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION (SLIDA) 28/10, MALALASEKARA MAWATHA,
COLOMBO 7.
This national level seminar, held on June 16, 2006 at SLIDA auditorium, was a
well attended event with 160 participants who came from different corners of
the country, representing major ethnic groups and social backgrounds but
bonded together by the major theme of the seminar – women’s political
representation at the local level. Two batches of the Diploma Program were
among the seminar attendees. Additionally, a representative group of women
leaders from GROW Model Villages also participated in the seminar. Other
participants of the national seminar were members of the GROW partner
organizations, National Committee on Women, women members of local
government institutions, and representatives from leading women NGOs. The
seminar audience was not exclusively limited to women and there were a
significant number of male participants in the seminar who had a major stake
in the seminar theme.
The theme of this national seminar had a direct link to the GROW Declaration
that was presented to the political leadership in the country in June 2004 urging
an affirmative clause in the election laws in the country to enable equitable
representation of women at the local government level. Even though Sri Lanka
is one of the oldest democracies in Asia, with 75 years of universal franchise,
women representation at the local level is dismally low, only 1.7%. GROW
leaders were advocating continuously to rectify this historical imbalance for
the last three years. The above seminar was a pinnacle event of this advocacy
campaign. The major agenda of the seminar was decided and planned by the
Core Advisory Group in Sri Lanka. The seminar was ceremonially opened at
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9:30 a.m. on June 16 at SLIDA by lighting the traditional oil lamp by the
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and other invited guests. SLIDA Director
welcomed the guests and set the stage for the proceeding activities of the
seminar. The Chief Guest of the seminar was Hon. Sumedha Jayasena,
Minister of Women’s Empowerment who delivered a very passionate speech
supporting the GROW Declaration related work on women’s political
representation. Ms. Indrani Sugathadasa, the Secretary to the Ministry of
Women’s Affairs delivered the keynote speech related to the major theme of
the seminar. Members of the Core Advisory Group took a leading role in the
proceedings of the seminar. Four GROW leaders from NIU were also among
the major speakers. The theme of the speech of the head of the NIU team – Dr.
Deb Pierce, Executive Director of the International Programs Division was
“NIU-Sri Lanka Partnership”. It was a powerful speech reflecting on the
importance of the GROW Project experience in internationalization of the
university curriculum. The theme of the presentation of the Project Advisor –
Laurel Jeris was “Partnerships and Participation: Opportunities and
Challenges. Dr. Kay Forest spoke on the status of women’s representation in
the U.S. A few other national level leaders who are strong women activists in
the country devoted to make a change in the status of women’s representation
also addressed the seminar. Four identified leaders representing the four
Model Villages presented a theme titled “Voices from GROW Model
Villages”. A panel discussion involving five leading women who have
contested the recently held local government elections to talk of the importance
of women’s participation in the political sphere and the problems faced by
them in the process. The panel discussion was facilitated by Ms. Indrani
Iriyagolla, a prominent advocate of women’s political participation and a
member of the GROW advisory committee in Sri Lanka. Panelists included
Ms. Sunethra Ranasinghe, Mayor of Dehiwela/Mt.Lavinia, Ms. Salma from
Katankudi, Eastern Province, Ms. L.P. Malini the group leader of Kurunegala
Indepndent Group, Ms. Kanthi Kodikara, Chairperson Maharagama U.C. and
Rose Sebastian, a member from the Nuwara Eliya Pradesheeya Sabha (Local
Govt. Institution).
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The seminar was concluded at 3:00 p.m. followed by lunch. Dr. Jaya
Gajanayake gave the concluding remarks highlighting the importance of the
seminar in the 75-year long struggle for women’s political representation and
the relevance of the major presentations in the seminar for future directions.
Subsequent to the seminar, a significant number of participants indicated that
the seminar agenda was highly unique and valuable and have generated a lot of
enthusiasm on the subject.
The following section of this report describes the proceedings of the seminar.
Deshabandu Jezima Ismail in her opening remarks explained the fundamentals of
the GROW Project, emphasizing that it is centered not simply on eradicating poverty
but empowering women. Although women represent 52 % of the population they are
not adequately represented in political decision making. She added that the issue we
face is how we are going to really empower women rather than just giving material
benefits. A society of social justice has to be created. She also said that empowerment
is not only educating them how to vote or how to choose leaders but also how to
create agents and institutions. Basically it is about creating a whole new society. This
is an enormous task but NIU will help us achieve this.
Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa - Secretary to the Ministry of Child Development and
Women’s Empowerment, congratulated NIU for implementing this very significant
programme. Mrs. Sugathadasa indicated that Sri Lanka has high achievements in
many spheres including health, education and enjoys high HDI but the female
population, which is over 50 %, still does not have decent status in the political
sphere. In spite of the free education, women still lags behind in many ways. Woman
plays many roles in the society - as an income earner, as a mother, as a wife, as a
family member and as a community worker. Even though they are not passive
partners, they do not enjoy equal avenues as men in many spheres including politics.
Basically for Sri Lanka women economic resources are limited and political power is
inadequate. There are cultural barriers and male domination that prevent women from
entering politics and these have to be changed.
The women have a right to participate in politics. Article 12 of the constitution of Sri
Lanka provides equality for men and women, Committee on Elimination of
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Discrimination against Women CEDAW was endorsed by Sri Lanka. 1995 Beijing
Conference also created much awareness. Millennium Development Goals has placed
emphasis on gender. When education, health, economic and political benefits are not
equitably distributed there is no social justice. Commitment from the top is essential
to bring about this change. In Sri Lanka, in the 225-seat legislature, there are only 13
female members and only three cabinet members. Thailand has pledged to double the
present female representation of 11.8 % by 2010. We also need to set time targets to
achieve enhanced women political participation. Allocating a quota is only one aspect
of the solution. It will be successful only if the women have the leadership qualities.
Minimizing the gender gap in politics should be considered a priority in Sri Lanka.
Recent local government polls show that even though even though 25% quota was
allocated for women, there was only 7.5% participated in the nomination process.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment personally wrote to all the political parties and
established all-party circle of female parliamentarians. This shows that having a
quota-system for women is not enough but the women should be willing to
participate.
NGO’s and the state implement a lot of programmers to develop
leadership and capacity building, reduce the gap between men and women in decisionmaking.
Hon: Sumedha Jayasena- Minister of Child Development and Women’s
Empowerment, making her speech as the Guest of Honor in the seminar, indicated
that this seminar, devoted to encourage rural women to participate in politics and take
up positions, is very timely and appropriate. Hon. Minister indicated that the present
parliament has only 13 members, which is less than 4% of the total representatives.
A cabinet paper was submitted providing a 30% share for females in the Provincial
Council election. But no quota has been allocated still. We hope to get at least a 25 %
quota. Training political leaders and creating awareness is very important for them to
realize that they have a right. The efforts of NGO’s in this respect are very significant
and highly appreciated.
Dr. Deb Pierce- Executive Director, International Programmes, NIU
The theme of the speech was “NIU-Sri Lanka Partnership”. She presented the
importance of the GROW Project experience in internationalization of the
university curriculum. As the official representative of the NIU, she thanked the
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SLIDA and the Open University of Sri Lanka for implementing the Diploma Program
in Good Governance and Local Leadership. She said this is a programme intended at
internationalization of NIU curriculum.
It has helped to enhance mutual
understanding between the two countries and has generated very valuable experience
to NIU faculty and also to NIU students. She concluded by saying in essence, GROW
experience has been a unique educational project for NIU and the current partnership
with Sri Lanka will continue to grow.
Indrani Iriyagolla (Member Grow Advisory Committee) delivered a main speech in
the first part of the symposium and the title was “After 75 years of universal franchise
where are the women?
Mrs. Iriyagolla presented an overview of the historical
development of women’s participation in politics. Sri Lanka was the first Asian
country to receive universal franchise. When the voting rights were given to women,
first it was considered a privilege but later it was considered a right. Democracy is
based on three pillars universal franchise, fundamental rights and the rule of law. And
therefore universal franchise and democracy go together. Members of the State
Council in the early era came from upper classes. By 1956 there was a growing
interest and a trend of women getting involved in politics emerged. There are no
statistics to find out how women voted.
Party system introduced after 1948
encouraged candidates to offer various benefits, both short term and long term, to
people such as social welfare, provision for widows etc. etc. benefits.
Political rights do not mean only the right to vote but also being a representative. The
government has to bear the responsibility of improving women representation. !995
Beijing Conference was a milestone and created a lot of awareness. CEDAW (Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women), Millennium
Development Goals and gender emphasis have increased the visibility of women.
Unfortunately, media does not give sufficient coverage for women issues. It is the
NGO’s that have taken up the task of creating awareness, empowerment, capacity
building, leadership building or without them nothing would have happened.
Shanthi Sachanandan Director, Centre for Human Resource Development spoke on
the subject “ There is no Democracy without Women.” If democracy is governance
of the people, by the people and for the people, who are these people? Aren’t the
women considered human beings? She indicated that there are several important
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factors for making this a reality. I. Fear of taking the lead due to ignorance. II.
Society considers women’s prime responsibility is towards the family. III.
Responsibility of maintaining sexual morality is also considered a responsibility of the
women and not men. If men can take responsibility with regard to family women will
have time and the space to devote to politics.
Professor.K.Forest. Chair, Department of Sociology, NIU
Dr. Forest spoke on “Women’s political participation – the US Scenario” Dr.
Forest traced the history of the US scenario in women’s political participation.
She pointed out that this process has had unequal gains and losses, momentum
and frustrations. When the US got independence in 1776 women did not get
the right to vote. The first event to get women into active participation was
organized in 1948. The first woman came into congress in 1920, after 72
years. Women in general have a fear that they will be judged harshly if they
get into politics. Educated people have less confidence; women do not get
sufficient encouragement to get involved in politics and this is an issue.
Professor- Laurel Jeris Grow Project Adviser NIU
Dr. Laurel Jeris spoke on the theme - Partnerships and Participation:
Opportunities and Challenges. Dr. Jeris indicated that GROW Project was a great
learning experience for NIU. Lessons that were offered by Model Villages were
specifically important. Villagers were our teachers and we are guided by the examples
they offer us on the critical questions of the empowerment process. However, the
process was challenging.
Presentations from the Model Villages
Galle-Keranwila – the Model Village of the AGROMART Foundation
Mr. M. A.Hemachandra, representative of Karenwila Model Village, started by
presenting an introduction to the village. There are about 250 families and the
population in the village is about 1250 people. The project started 4 years ago and at
the time there were many deficiencies and many needs. GROW Project, as a first step
identified the priority needs of the village. Making the ground for Weekly “Pola”
(the weekly market place) was considered the first priority. The excess earth was used
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to repair two roads. Model Village obtained Rs. 55,000 from the National Association
of Adult and Community Education as the needed initial funding to repair roads and
culverts. Water was a big problem in the village. GROW Project helped to build a
drinking water well and a common bathing well for the use by the villagers. These
wells do not run dry even in the dry weather. About 75 families that did not have
toilet facilities were provided with such facilities. Villagers were involved in securing
street lamps for the village. Villagers started several projects to strengthen the village
economy, including a sewing project, a unit for making and repairing of iron
implements, making fiber glass roofing sheets and home gardening without using
artificial chemicals. Equipment, seeds and fertilizer were provided for home
gardening. A trip was organized to promote fellowship among the villagers, and
every one participated in it. When the students from the Diploma program visited the
village, they organized an art competition for the village children and encouraged
them by awarding prizes. As a result of all the GROW activities in the village there
was a complete transformation of the poverty stricken village into a developed one.
This also resulted in securing political power. As a result of the GROW Project
activities I too was empowered. I was able to further enhance my leadership qualities.
The villagers wanted us to take political leadership of the community in order to move
forward. Our aim is to stand on our own feet.
Pompakele in the Ratnapura District – Model Village of the Sarvodaya Women’s
Movement
Ms Annapurna Sundararaja introduced the village – a beautiful village on top of a hill,
but imbedded in extreme poverty, secluded from other areas. Our aim was to bring
about social, economic, political and spiritual empowerment. Sarvodaya, through the
NIU Program, came to our village and together we decided on the priorities. Under
the leadership of GROW Project, we established a Literary Centre, initiated leadership
training and women’s empowerment programs. Students at Pelawatta International
School also helped the children in this Model Village. Among the projects that were
carried out, home gardening, nutrition, compost fertilizer manufacturing and
developing roads were important. A project was also undertaken to develop skills of
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the people to take up self-employment opportunities. Political empowerment was
another aspect that was undertaken. Leader of our women’s group was nominated for
the provincial council election, but her name was removed from the nominations list
at the last moment. We hope fight such injustices and to do more work to empower
women to participate in politics.
Pitiya Model Village in the Moneragala District, organized by CENWOR.
Ms. Kurpton, leader of the team representing Pitiya Model Village in the seminar
introduced the GROW Project activities of Pitiya Model Village organized by
CENWOR. She started her presentation by saying that Pitiya is a remote village
delved in deep poverty. We were sidelined - no roads, no drinking water. There was
no place to hold meetings. There were 48 families, each having ¼ acre but none of
them had deeds. They were all daily wage workers. Lot of obstacles came up when
women became active. Men tried to stop us. Women in the village got together and
built a community hall as a first step with the support given by CENWOR through
SEEDAW. A complete pre-school facility was built by CENWOR. Because of the
strength we received through CENWOR, we started moving forward. We do not have
seed capital but our women are energetic and active. Still our village has a lot of
unmet needs such as drinking water, avenues for self -employment and opportunities
to enhance our technical skills.
Uthyapuram in Ampara District Model Village of MWRAF
Mr. M. S. Jaleel presented the story of Uthyapuram, the Model Village of the GROW
Partner organization.
Mr. Jaleel mentioned that unlike in other situations,
Uthyapuram was unfortunately a failure in community empowerment. The leaders of
the Model Village were too dominant and were also corrupt.
Without really
addressing the major problem of indebtedness the money invested was used for
paying their personal debts. Outsiders came forward to provide help but the help was
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not utilized properly. The leaders did not challenge the real issues.
It showed that
working in a Muslim village which is a highly deprived village is not an easy task.
PANEL DISCSSION ON ISSUES FACED BY WOMEN IN POLITICS.
Sunethra Ranasinghe - Mayor of Dehiwela/Mount Lavinia Town Council.
Mayor Ranasinghe introduced herself as the former Minister of Health, the first
female cabinet minister. Although the constitution provides for equal rights, the
female population of over 50 % of the population does not have equal representation.
Literacy rate is high but the political power is very low in the parliament and in the
provincial councils. There are women who are able and willing to come forward as
contestants, if they are given the opportunity. But it did not happen. The politicians
must come to a firm commitment to allow women to share the political power.
Women have proved to be very responsible in many spheres, including social and
cultural spheres. They have proved to be dedicated and responsible. The time has
come for women to raise their voice to show that they need more representation. If a
compulsory proportion of power is allocated to women, no one can delete their names.
This seminar is very timely event. Most of our female politicians come from families
with a political background quite often to fill the gaps created by deceased husbands
or fathers. But females without such a background face problems in coming forward
as political contestants. The present system needs change so that honest and innocent
female candidates could come forward during the local government elections. Money
is a deciding factor in today’s political campaigns. If the advertisements are available
at low cost, strength can be built at the voter level. Recognition to women political
contestants should be given at all levels.
National list should not be only for
decorative purposes.
Kanthi Kodikara- Chairperson of the Maharagama Urban Council.
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Speaking on the issues she faced as a women contestant in the local government, Mrs.
Kodikara indicated that she did not get this position on a platter. The general feeling
was if the husband is in politics, wife should not be there. Even my own political
party started enacting laws to prevent me coming into politics. I was able to point out
that I too was entitled to political power in my own right, just as my husband. I
almost forced myself into politics.
I was in charge of the “Lakmawa” (Sri Lanka
mothers) organization, which had 3000 members. That was my base and through this
organization I created a healthy and conducive environment for contesting the
election.
As a women candidate the only security we have is our character, if the
character is lost nothing can be gained.
Ms. Salma Hamsa-Fomer member of Nuwaraeliya Urban CouncilMs. Hamsa was another panelist who presented her views on the issues faced by
women candidates. She indicated that women should think in terms of doing a service
to the community. They should be able to shoulder social responsibility along with the
family responsibilities. She noted that her strategy during her election campaign was
to have pocket meetings to reach out. She had no TV advertisements. She added that
she was not selected but I got sufficient votes to realize that her work was appreciated.
L.P.Malani- Leader of the All Women Independent Group
Contestant Kurunegala Provincial Council
Mrs. Malani started her presentation indicating that women contribute a lot to the Sri
Lankan economy. Tea pluckers and Middle East earners who contribute most to the
Sri Lankan economy are mostly women. But women in Sri Lanka have very little
political power. They bear the brunt of all political agendas. Women are the sufferers
from the war. They bear the burden of the total family when they lose their husbands
in the war. Most of the sufferings faced by women are due to the decisions taken by
men. In the last election, she said that I collected 28 candidates with the greatest
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difficulty. I faced all the problems that could possibly occur but some how got
through the nomination process. Family background in politics should not be a
determining factor for women to come forward as contestants. No one in my family
was in politics. We should get together first as women before we take to politics.
Dr. Jaya Gajanayake,GROW Project Director-NIU
Dr. Gajanayake in her concluding remarks indicated that today’s seminar marked the
completion of the GROW II Project. GROW II Project aimed at strengthening the
Civil Society in Sri Lanka through building advocacy partnerships among NGO’s and
developing local leadership. The project is funded by the office of Citizen Exchange,
Bureau of Educational Affairs of the US Department of State and implemented in Sri
Lanka by the Northern Illinois University in collaboration with significant Sri Lankan
partners.
The first component of the project was aimed at building advocacy
partnerships through a series of activities connected to formation and strengthening of
the NGO coalition that consisted of 12 members.
The second component of the strategy is the implementation of formal learning
interventions jointly implemented by two prestigious academic institutions in Sri
Lanka- SLIDA and the Open University of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the
Northern Illinois University. Dr. Gajanayake added that she said she was delighted to
help her mother country and at the same time secure valuable insights for enhancing
the international education at NIU. When we first started the GROW Project, we had
an initial needs assessment with the participation of the community, mostly village
women who indicated 40 characteristics of an enhanced civil society. GROW Project
was built on that. The GROW Declaration that was evolved through the project
process and presented to the political leaders in June 2004, urged for an affirmative
action clause in the local election clause to include 33% of representation to women.
This was two years ago and today when we look back nothing has changed. This is
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the reality. Women were fighting for it for the last 75 years and we are in the same
situation. This seminar is an important step in this direction.
Dr. Gajanayake thanked all the political and NGO leaders who inspired this project,
including the State Department, NIU, Sri Lankan partners and the advisory
communities in the two countries.
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