Challenges Sri Lankan Women Face in Becoming & Being Community Leaders

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Hill country, rich biodiversity Multi ethnic community Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim Springs threatened by deforestation ,illicit logging Also, affected by climate change and declining rainfall

Balanthota

Working with the Partner Organisation no focus on womens empowerment But womens labour contribution was an important component No special support by project staff to promote women leaders, they emerged through their own skills and acceptance to community Kandy 198 CBO have 139 executive female members Few CBOs have only women in executive group. Breaking traditional gender ideology trekking through forests, manual work on construction site

Housewife, had only worked in school development society Family was still schooling at time of construction Minimal support for external activities from conservative home But support from men and women from all communities, who appreciated my work as secretary A lot of internal problems needed day to day solutions

Increased interest by men due to accumulating funds in the CBO Malicious rumours spread about active females to drive them out Slanders impelled some women colleagues to leave the executive due to problems with home. Major issues of sabotage , such as damage to water lines ,burning files I was seen as blocking the men from misusing CBO funds But I stayed on with difficulty as I would not allow them to damage our creation

Positive impact of a few good friends and advisors Networked with external organizations- water board , NetWwater, Sri Lanka Water Partnership Started a catchment conservation program Extended linkages with the Forest Dept

A lot of patience Look for Problem solving mechanisms Take precautions eg never go to the forest alone Have courage in challenging what is wrong Build a wall of support, men and women

Sharing experience programmes for the women leaders at CBOs Training workshops for the women leaders on management, technical and ICT skills Having a dialogue on vesting the management of catchment areas of the projects to the CBOs

THANK YOU