“Zero tolerance on violence against women”

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe is entrusted with the duty of playing a proactive role -- both inside and outside Parliament -- to ensure women and children’s rights are safeguarded. Speaking to the Daily Mirror  the Minister explained the vital platform necessary for more female representation in the Sri Lankan economy, politics, education and industry, while highlighting the significance of empowering both women and children in an aim to uplift their welfare progress.

Q  Compared to the past elections there was a strong outcry by civil activist movements to increase women’s participation in politics. But this hadn’t made any changes in the voting pattern of the people, and as usual they had voted for a massive majority of males? What is the reason for this?

"We are planning to launch a campaign against harassment at public  transport and public places during 16 days of activism which fall in  November."

Q  Do you believe that there should be more women participating in politics?

Q   With the increase of extreme violence against children, especially female children; it doesn’t seem that Sri Lanka is a safe place for them. Why have the Government institutions failed to curb this dangerous trend?

"Women are better qualified, hence, female representation should be made  30% in Parliament, Provincial Councils and in the Local Government  bodies."

Q  Where did this trend start and how do you think we can put a stop to it?

Q   What is the guarantee as the Minister you can give to ensure that Sri Lanka is a safe place for children?

Q   Are there any changes or addition of new laws and policies to make better protection of children and women?

"The female population is more than 50%, women comprised nearly 40% in the employment sector, they are better educated and that women proved to be better financial managers. Women are better qualified, hence, female representation should be made 30% in Parliament, Provincial Councils and in the Local Government bodies."

Q    Today no place is a safe place for women in this country. This is worst in public transport and public places. How are you going to control this?

"It is not only the State but civil society organizations, parents and religious leaders who should get together and advocate to build a just  society embedded with values."

Q  Another area of grave concern is the pathetic situation of women sent to work in the Middle-East and the desperate situations in their families here. We also know that they make the biggest contribution to the country’s revenue.  Isn’t it a shame for a country to run its economy from the money made by these women?