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mplifying the Voices of Women with Disabilities in Sri Lanka

 #Manique Gunaratne participated in an important focus group discussion on “#Women with #Disabilities” hosted by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (#ICES) In October 2024. This discussion brought together stakeholders and representatives of Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to share insights, experiences, and challenges faced by women with disabilities in Sri Lanka.

The discussion contributes to the development of a #Shadow #Report to be submitted when Sri Lanka is reviewed by the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (#CEDAW) in February 2025. Shadow Reports from civil society play a crucial role in ensuring that the real experiences of women and girls are heard at the international level.

ICES previously prepared a Shadow Report during Sri Lanka’s 2017 CEDAW review, and several recommendations were reflected in the Committee’s guidance to the Government. Building on this momentum, the upcoming report—developed with the participation of OPDs—aims to highlight the realities of women with disabilities and advocate for stronger protections and inclusive policies.

This collaborative effort demonstrates how international human rights mechanisms can be used to strengthen advocacy and promote equality, dignity, and opportunities for women with disabilities in Sri Lanka. 


A projector screen showing a presentation slide about a focus group discussion. The slide has logos at the top and large centered text. Top left text: “INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR ETHNIC STUDIES” Top right text: “A Project Funded by the European Union” Main title: “Focus Group Discussion on Women with Disabilities” Below the title is a line of text in Sinhala script. The slide includes an illustration of people holding flags; one person is in a wheelchair. The room has orange walls, and several empty chairs are visible at the bottom.

A conference room table with red tablecloths, microphones, notebooks, and a projector. Three women are seated at the table, with the central woman most visible. The central woman has medium-brown skin and black hair tied back in a bun. She is wearing a black sari over a red-and-black patterned blouse and small earrings. Her left hand rests on a blue notebook, and her head is turned to her left, as if listening to someone off-camera. On the table are several tabletop microphones with gooseneck stands, a small remote control, loose printed papers, a pen and notepad, and a smartphone near the lower left. A white Epson projector sits on a small stand at the lower right. In the background, there is a row of empty gray plastic chairs against a plain light-colored wall.

A meeting panel of four adults seated behind a long table covered with a red tablecloth, with a microphone in front of the woman in the center. The room has a white wall and a large banner hanging above the panel. On the table are several clear drinking glasses with water and multiple blue notebooks. In the foreground, on a separate table, there is a projector with cables attached, and a water glass close to the camera. The four people appear to be listening or speaking in a discussion. From left to right: a woman with medium-brown skin, shoulder-length black hair, and black rectangular glasses, wearing a dark blue top with a white shawl; a woman with medium-brown skin and dark hair tied back, wearing a pink patterned top, speaking into the microphone with one hand raised; a woman with medium-brown skin and long dark curly hair, wearing a dark blue top and large circular earrings, with one hand touching her forehead; a man with light-to-medium skin, very short dark hair, and dark rectangular glasses, wearing a peach or light orange shirt, leaning forward with arms crossed. Text on the banner (verbatim): Protecting, Empowering Activists & Communities to Enhance Rights (P.E.A.C.E. Rights) Project Diakonia

A group of about twelve adults posing for a photo in a meeting room in front of a large projector screen. Most are women with medium to dark brown skin tones, and one man stands near the center wearing an orange short-sleeve shirt; several women wear colorful blouses and dresses in yellow, red, blue, pink, and patterned fabrics. One woman is seated at the front right at a table, while the rest stand in a row behind. The projector screen shows text and logos. At the top left is a logo and the words “INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR ETHNIC STUDIES.” At the top right is an EU flag graphic and the words “A Project Funded by the European Union.” In the center, the main title reads “Focus Group Discussion on Women with Disabilities,” with additional text underneath in another language (appears to be Sinhala). In the foreground are conference tables covered with bright orange tablecloths. On the tables are microphones, cups and saucers, drinking glasses, a water jug, and a projector. The walls are orange, and an air-conditioning unit is mounted high on the wall above the screen.



#Kishara #Manique Gunaratne

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