Power to Women: Why SAPRI Thinks It Is A Must?

Though women consist of half the population of most countries, they hardly get the opportunity to play a key role in their countries’ political decision making and implementation processes. Women throughout history have been restricted predominantly to the private sphere, tasked with devoting their time and efforts for the wellbeing of the family institution. Accordingly, a political culture dominated by men has manifested throughout the world, and the lack of women’s active political involvement is widely argued to be a key attribute of indecorous political cultures. Also, women’s role as vital        stakeholders in the manifestation and sustenance of peace and security in a world of conflict and chaos, is duly appreciated. Thus, in recognition of women’s role in social progress, South Asia Policy & Research Institute (SAPRI) has long considered Empowerment of Women as a key focal area on its agenda.

SAPRI believes that the absence of women in mainstream politics deprives the society of their contribution to include qualities women are uniquely known to have, such as commitment, dedication, empathy and focus coupled with a deeper understanding, in policy making and implementation. However, to enable women to come forward and assume social responsibilities, an attitudinal change associated with education and carefully structured training is required, as a means to empower them. A gradual and significant change of mindset from that of a caretaker to a decision maker and initiator is likely to bring forth the best in women, for the benefit of the whole.  

The much-reduced presence of women in the political arena of Sri Lanka deprives the society of the benefit of comprehensive frameworks that can be achieved by having all key players in the decision-making process. According to data in 2015, in the parliamentary level, the percentage of women leaders is 6.7%, the level of provincial council’s percentage is 4% and 1.4% was the percentage of women leaders in local governance. In recognition of the need to increase women’s active involvement in politics, SAPRI had been conducting workshops for present and potential women political activists in several districts of the country. 

With the window of opportunity provided by the advent of the 25% quota, SAPRI recognized that the majority of over 2000 Women Councilors elected hardly had any prior experience in politics. Further prompted by continuous requests by Women Councilors, SAPRI was persuaded to answer to the need of the hour with an effort aimed at equipping newly elected Women Councilors with necessary capacities to succeed as public representatives, and proceed towards higher levels in political participation. Thus, the initiative to empower newly elected Women Local Government Councilors was commenced by SAPRI, with the assistance of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and conducted in the districts of Ampara, Colombo, Gampaha and Vavuniya.  during a one year period, from May 2018 to May 2019.