A Win for Women and Girls as Women In Need’s Advocacy Leads to Formalised SGBV Forums

Women In Need (WIN) – the foremost support and advocacy group for female victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Sri Lanka – has achieved a major milestone in its long-standing activism for justice and safety for Women and Girls in Sri Lanka. After years of persistent advocacy in September this year, a circular was finally passed by the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, formalising Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Forums at both District and Divisional levels in the country. 

This circular is a crucial step towards addressing the increasing violence against women and girls in the country, by establishing a structured, coordinated referral mechanism between state and non-state actors to bridge gaps in essential service provision and violence prevention. This watershed moment follows a decade of lobbying by WIN, whose work is dedicated to creating a violence-free society for women and girls where their rights are respected and upheld. 

The government has a responsibility to step in and fight to eradicate violence against women and girls. This circular therefore is a key step forward. Discussing the significance of this achievement, Savithri Wijesekara, Executive Director of WIN said, “We believe that the formalisation of the SGBV Forums is a major step forward in our collective fight against sexual and gender-based violence. It demonstrates responsibility and commitment from the government and other stakeholders to address the root causes of SGBV, provide support services for survivors, and create a safer, more equitable society for all. This is not just a victory for Women In Need, but for every woman and girl in Sri Lanka who deserve a life free from fear and violence!”

With the formalisation of SGBV Forums, the government’s response to sexual and gender-based violence can be significantly strengthened, allowing for more effective intervention, prevention strategies and support to victim survivors. These forums will serve as platforms for collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, law enforcement, civil society organisations, and community groups, all working together to combat SGBV while creating safer environments for women and girls to live in. 

The move comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with a rise in SGBV cases, exacerbated by economic crises, the legacy of the civil war, the Easter bombings, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased substance abuse. WIN’s internal statistics reflect the alarming daily reports of SGBV cases. Between October 2021 and September 2022, 9,897 individuals reached out to WIN centres across the 7 districts, followed by 10,213 between October 2022 and September 2023. 

Between just April and June 2024, 727 cases of economic abuse were reported, along with 1,131 cases of emotional and physical abuse. In addition, the number of reported rape cases surged suicides and fatalities due to continued violence. This underscores the urgent need for continued action and policy intervention. Over the past three years, WIN has seen an increase in domestic violence, cyber-violence, rape, marital rape, and substance abuse. The establishment of the SGBV Forums thus comes at a crucial juncture, providing a formalised and structured response mechanism to tackle these complex and pervasive issues.

WIN, with its years of experience and growing credibility is comprehensive in its approach, providing victim survivors of SGBV with a holistic service under one roof by way of psychological counselling, legal advice, court representation, temporary emergency shelter services, and a 24/7 crisis hotline. WIN is present in seven districts, including Colombo, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Matara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, and the newly opened crisis centre in Ratnapura. Alongside WIN’S crisis centres for survivors, it also runs four emergency shelters to protect victim survivors from life threatening situations, ensuring that support is available where it is most needed.

In an effort to ensure that support is always within reach of those who need it, WIN’s SGBV Hotline is active 24/7 on 0775676555 – anonymity and discretion is assured for victims and those seeking support. Break the Silence and let’s win against violence with WOMEN IN NEED.