“There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures, and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, and never tolerable.”

• UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
  

The Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly presents project “Someone’s Daughter: Volume 6,” an ambitious project dedicated to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) while empowering women. This groundbreaking initiative, now in its sixth consecutive year, stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice, and was carried out under 5 main phases, so as to make create a more lasting impact in society. 

For the first phase, the project launched with a thought-provoking 16-day post series across social media platforms, in partnership with UN Women, under the theme of “UNITE! Invest To Prevent Violence against Women & Girls”. Each day, from the 25^th of November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to the 10^th of December (Human Rights Day), meticulously curated content, including survivor testimonials, informative articles, and impactful statistics, was shared to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of GBV and VAW. By using “#NoExcuse” as a slogan and hashtag, this campaign was able to reach a global audience and take the initial step towards ending violence against women and girls.

Building on the momentum generated by the post series, the project unveiled the “Uncover” video series, a collection of anonymous interviews with GBV survivors. Through these raw and emotive narratives, viewers gained a firsthand understanding of the harrowing experiences faced by survivors and the profound impact of GBV on individuals and communities. The Legal Unit of USJ also assisted the project by giving their expert knowledge on the legal implications of GBV, and by telling the survivor how to claim justice for what they had to go through. By amplifying the voices of survivors and sharing their stories with empathy and sensitivity, the video series aimed to dismantle stereotypes, foster empathy, and empower survivors to reclaim their narratives.

Continuing its commitment to fostering dialogue and driving change, the project hosted the “Voices against Violence” the impactful industry forum next, featuring a distinguished panel of experts from diverse backgrounds. The panel, comprising a legal expert – Mrs. Yasu-E Karunarathne, a psychologist –     Dr. Shanelle De Almeida, and renowned actress – Ms. Umali Thilakarathne, engaged in candid discussions on the legal, psychological, and cultural dimensions of GBV. Through insightful analysis, personal anecdotes, and audience participation, the forum explored innovative strategies for preventing GBV, supporting survivors, and promoting gender equality.

With the successful completion of the first three phases of the project, the focus of the organizing committee shifted to the fourth phase, a public walk titled “Walk4Her”, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day. Participants from various clubs and organizations joined in to march in solidarity, bearing placards and banners emblazoned with messages of empowerment. With many sponsorships and partnerships from the companies Pearl Bay, Good PR, Omega Line Ltd, Dilomik, Derana and also J’pura Flames, the event concluded without a hitch, creating widespread impact. The event served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to combat GBV and create safer, more inclusive communities where women can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.

As a culmination of the project, the final phase, “Drawing the Line” digital art competition, in collaboration with ( ) and UpaliArts, invited artists and storytellers to unleash their creativity and advocate for change through art. Under the theme of “Ending GBV and empowering women” participants submitted a diverse array of artworks showcasing their talents and creativity. From striking illustrations to thought-provoking digital collages, the submissions sparked meaningful conversations and inspired viewers to reflect on the urgent need for gender equality and social justice.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” 

•  Michelle Obama

Thus, through the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura and its partners, “Someone’s Daughter: vol 6” has made significant strides in raising awareness, amplifying voices, and fostering tangible solutions to address GBV and VAW. As we celebrate the impact of this transformative project, let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with survivors, advocating for gender equality, and creating a future free from violence and oppression for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Written by: Rtr.

Graphic design by: Rtr.