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 improve access to care, sanitation, hygiene and employment for vulnerable people in the western province.

Activities

  • Build toilets, including toilets for people with disabilities.
  • Provide essential goods to people with disabilities to improve their living conditions (wheelchair, bed, mattress, etc.).
  • Organize first aid workshops and provide an adequate room dedicated to this use in schools.
  • Provide hygienic protection to schoolgirls to avoid school absenteeism during their periods.
  • Train women in income-generating activities and provide them with raw materials, equipment and machinery to enable them to be self-employed.

Beneficiaries

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