Fighting gender-based violence in Nuwara Elya

Number of beneficiaries : 2,160 children and 5,184 women

Project duration : 2024/2027 – 4 years

Place: Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province of the country

Project financed under a framework agreement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Local partner

PALM Foundation is a Sri Lankan association that has been implementing holistic development programs for more than 25 years for the populations of tea plantations in the centre of the country as well as neighbouring and remote villages. In order to develop empowerment and strengthen the capacities of communities, PALM Foundation projects are implemented through a participatory approach and through the creation of community organizations. PALM Foundation intervenes in various fields such as:

  • Social mobilization and the development of women’s representation and participation.
  • The development of infrastructure, access to water and sanitation
  • Child protection
  • The management of natural resources and the development of organic agriculture
  • The promotion of health and nutrition
  • Microfinance
  • Educating people on different themes: gender issues and gender equality, civil rights, health and well-being of the elderly, the dangers of alcohol and other awareness-raising.

 

Context

Although Sri Lanka’s Human Development Index has seen great growth, the country is experiencing various challenges in the plantation region. First of all, corporal punishment is practiced as a form of discipline leading to many cases of child abuse. Additionally, girls face health problems due to lack of knowledge and proper hygienic equipment. Furthermore, this region is dominated by men, so women have no decision-making power and are frequently subjected to gender-based violence.

The mission

This project aims to strengthen the protection of women and girls who are victims of social discrimination and economic marginalisation.

Activities

  • Set up community structures to protect women and children.
  • Raise community awareness of gender-based violence, women’s rights, gender equality and good nutrition.
  • Provide psychological, social and legal support and access to safe shelters for women victims of violence.
  • Ensuring access to health services for women victims of violence and children with disabilities, and improving sexual and reproductive health.
  • Strengthen women’s leadership and develop their skills (self-employment activities, financial education, etc.).

Beneficiaries

3,600 households (including 2,160 children and 5,184 women), 18 community organizations, 18 monitoring committees and 100 community members.