An Opportunity to Call for Zero Tolerance Issues Faced by the Girl Child in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 10 October 2013 

The International Day of the Girl Child, which falls on the 11th of October, was marked by the United Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka with a Panel Discussion held at the Institute of Policy Studies in Colombo. The Panel Discussion, first of a series, focused on raising issues that need policy action, including issues of the worst forms of child labour.

The UN in Sri Lanka marked this day recognizing the courage and determination of one girl, MalalaYousafzai, a Pakistani schoolgirl and education activist, who only a mere year ago was fighting for her life. Today she is a symbol of the courage, hope and change for the girl child.

Sri Lanka's record in human development has made it a front runner in the South Asia region. Its achievements in primary education are particularly admirable. However, there are still children who are not able to stay in school and complete primary education. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the girls continue to stay in secondary and tertiary education.

"We see many issues affecting the girl child today, which affect their wellbeing and prevents them from making use of the opportunities. On this day we hope to bring attention to the girl child and advocate for change," noted Mr. Subinay Nandy, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka.

The reporting of violence, including violence against girls, has increased substantially. Although the stigma attached to reporting violence makes the true extent unclear, various reports point to an increasing trend in violence perpetrated against girls that has effects throughout their lives. While addressing the effects of violence on victims, a fundamental change in attitudes towards women and girls, having zero tolerance for violence against women and children, and ensuring that women and girls are respected and treated as equals in society are other factors those of us working in the development sector have to consider.

Mr. Nandy further noted that “there is a need to take action, finding new solutions to these challenges, which should include the voices of young people and mobilizing all partners in the efforts, if the conditions of the girl child in Sri Lanka are to improve”.

The event also highlighted the need to advocate for girls’ rights related to child labour, particularly the worst forms of child labour, including the challenges surrounding child domestic work. The conditions that make these children take up work continue to be significant; largely due to the inability of their families to break out of the cycle of poverty and inequality, and limited opportunities.

Distinguished guests, Mr. Eric Elayappaarachchi, Secretary, Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs,
Mrs. Pearl Weerasinghe, Commissioner General of Labour, Department of Labour, Prof.SharyaScharenguivel, Director, Centre for the Study on Human Rights, Prof.SavitriGoonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law and International Expert on the Rights of Women and Children, Ms. JayathmaWickramanayake, National Youth Services Council and representatives of the UN attended the event.

The second Panel Discussion to be held in partnership with the District Secretariat, Ratnapura on the 11th of October, will focus on raising awareness to end child labour in the district.