{"id":9838,"date":"2026-03-08T02:45:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T21:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smn24.lk\/?p=9838"},"modified":"2026-03-08T02:45:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T21:15:47","slug":"national-commission-on-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smn24.lk\/?p=9838","title":{"rendered":"National Commission on Women"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Statement on International Women\u2019s Day (8 March 2026)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Women\u2019s Day is of great symbolic value in the continuing struggle for equal rights, justice, and the dignity of women. \u2018Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls<\/em>\u2019 is the United Nations\u2019 theme for International Women\u2019s Day this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We, the Members of the National Commission on Women (NCW), consider this day to be a day on which we renew our commitment to protecting and promoting women\u2019s rights. It is also a moment for us to provide a brief explanation about the role and functions of the NCW in the protection and promotion of women\u2019s rights in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NCW, which is the latest addition to the list of independent commissions in Sri Lanka, is established under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024, a significant milestone in the legislative advancement of women\u2019s rights protection in Sri Lanka.  It was in September 2025 that the Members of the NCW were appointed by H.E. the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, based on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council and the Women Parliamentarians\u2019 Caucus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an independent commission, the NCW has been mandated with wide powers to protect and promote women\u2019s rights. These range from the power to inquire into and investigate alleged violations of women\u2019s rights, resolving grievances through mediation, and formulating a National Policy on the advancement and empowerment of women, to advocating for women\u2019s rights, and monitoring and evaluating the adherence to policies and practices relating to women\u2019s rights, not only by state institutions but also by private persons and non-state institutions. We acknowledge, in this regard, that the Women Empowerment Act of 2024 and the NCW are the culmination of decades of struggle and perseverance by women\u2019s rights collectives and organisations islandwide.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the appointment of the Commissioners in September 2025, the NCW has had to face many challenges, such as the absence of independent premises, the lack of staff, and the recent resignation of its first Chairperson just four months since appointment. While these challenges remain to be addressed with the support and cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, we acknowledge, with deep appreciation, all those who have helped us over the past months, in numerous ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are enormous challenges that women in this country continue to face, which include, but are not limited to: the subjection of women to gender-based violence and sexual harassment, the lack of economic empowerment, the exposure to systemic injustices resulting due to discriminatory legal and institutional structures, the inadequacy of women in political and leadership positions, and the numerous gendered-vulnerabilities resulting from climate change. Therefore, there is much that needs to be done by the NCW to ensure the protection and promotion of women\u2019s rights to equality, non-discrimination and justice.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given this overarching context, we strongly believe that even amidst severe resource constraints, lack of staff and suitable office premises, we cannot remain silent anymore. TheNCW will, therefore, commence some of the primary functions aimed at promoting and protecting women\u2019s rights. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n