Being born as a woman, she is subjected to various physical and mental afflictions in society. The Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched a project against violence against women, called “Someone’s Daughter”. In the modern world, social media plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication. The campaign carried out on social media was capable of influencing the community to a large degree and eventually “Someone’s Daughter“ was awarded as the Most Outstanding Social Media Campaign for the year 2019/20 at the 30th Rotaract District Assembly.

Last year the project, “Someone’s Daughter” was launched under two phases. In the first phase, a two-fold social media campaign was mounted. Twelve renowned personalities expressed their opinion on violence against women and what’s more, an online quote challenge was issued to Rotaractors as a cathartic experience to express their opinions too. Then, a series of articles was published emphasizing the public perspective on the violence experienced by women.

In the second phase, the Yeheliya foundation partnered with the project as the knowledge partner and released three important videos on cybercrime, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Furthermore, another video on getting legal advice to take action against violence against women was also released online.

Then, by collaborating with seven other Rotaract clubs, a series of videos featuring personal opinions and perspectives of Rotaractors was made available to be streamed. Next, a public survey was done to measure the awareness and knowledge of the general public regarding this prevalent issue was conducted. As the next step, videos of victims were posted online without revealing their true identity, which made them go public incognito with their poignant stories.

 The series also featured all the hotlines and other relevant details of organizations that are capable of taking actions against violence against women and support women who are afflicted. The digital magazine of Someone’s Daughter was published online as a compilation of articles and transcripts of the videos in phase one with an analysis of the public survey. As the final step, the first-ever mobile app in Sri Lanka to report violence against women was introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. The project marked a turning point with this app ‘VOICE IT’.

The project is being carried out for the second consecutive time with some changes to its main body. This time the project’s primary focus is on empowering women to be themselves and to strive to become whom they want to be. Recently, Ms. Nethmini Medawela, an attorney-at-law, and a former Roratactor joined hands with the project in building awareness about the legal regime on sexual harassment. 

At the moment a video series called ”Think” is streamed both on Someone’s Daughter Facebook page which more than two thousand people have liked on YouTube. ”Think” the video sporicidal video series focuses on the discrimination, sexism, and male chauvinism that the majority of women suffer. The prime objective of the project is to stamp out misogynistic ideas from society and redress the balance for women to stand on their own feet without being dependent on anyone.  

It is a motivation for the entire society to think that she deserves better. Thus, RACUSJ has launched this enduring project to stamp out violence against women in our society. Not only the women who are already on the receiving end, but also the ones who can undergo the slings and arrows of violence down the road benefit from Someone’s Daughter the project.

Rtr. Pomuditha Katugampala