German Embassy Colombo funds Vote for a Woman project

On January 17, 2017, Ambassador Jörn Rode participated in the opening ceremony of the awareness campaign, Vote for a Woman, a project of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), which is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. 
Rohde stated that Germany was glad to assist in strengthening women’s participation and representation to achieve more gender equality in Sri Lanka. He highlighted how “women’s increased political participation is one pillar to change the role of women in a society” and thus urged Sri Lankan women to seize all opportunities in a democratic society to make their voices and demands heard.
The awareness campaign started in Galle last week and will visit over the 13 districts until February 3 where several activities are carried out including a signature campaign to increase awareness of the women’s political representation in the local government of Sri Lanka. 
Although the majority of the Sri Lankan population is female (52 percent), participation of women in politics is very low. This project is brought forward to encourage greater female participation in Sri Lankan politics and for them to have a stronger voice in addressing and enforcing their interests and needs on a political basis. More women taking an active part in their communities will help improve gender equality in education, labour market and families.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Joanne Doornewaard, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Mustafa and CPA Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu were also present at this event.