Secretary of Women Affairs Ministry Mrs Roobini Varathalingam said that women have achieved great success in education. About 60% of women are graduates and among them, 45% are graduates in arts. However, 35 % of women receive jobs.
Under the direction of Governor Dr. Suren Raghavan on the theme of ‘Balance for Better’, International Women’s Day was celebrated on 08th March 2019 at Jaffna Veerasingam Hall. In the arrangement of Provincial Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Rehabilitation, Social Service, Cooperatives, Food Supply and Distribution, Industries and Enterprise Promotion and Trade & Commerce, women conducted this event themselves under the guidance.
Participating in the event, the Secretary said the above. She continued, “Balance for Better” is the theme for this year Women’s Day. A talented girl creates a beautiful world. There is a need to improve the education sector in terms of changes in technology development. Our female community has made several achievements. For instance they have become scientists and pilots, but its rate is low. Women should be adapted to the changes and have to become a well-educated community.
Even though women’s community is growing, family violence and sexual harassment are rising. We need to work together to change this situation. Use of alcohol and drug is the prime factor for the violence. Therefore we need to join hands to abolish family violence and sexual harassment and make our province alcohol and drug-free. There is a need to strengthen the women who struggle economically due to war and displacement. Self-employment opportunities and credit facilities should be arranged for them. She also pointed out.
Co-operative women’s self-employment scheme called “Women’s Crown” was initiated by Cooperative Development Department in this event. Under this loan scheme, one million rupees is offered per person to improve the women’s living standards. Also, entrepreneurs were given a 50% subsidy for industry expansion by the Department of Industry.
It should be noted that for the first time in history, Mrs Janaki Kathiriyarachchi was selected as the best entrepreneur and was honoured with many awards on the International Women’s Day and Miss. Swarna Mallavarachi won the title of Best Actress.
The women achieved at the provincial level were honoured with awards. Also, awards and prizes were presented to the students who won the competitions held for Women’s Day.
Mrs Kokila Mahendran, Writer and Psychologist graced the event as the chief guest. Dr. Mrs Jeyadevi Ganeshamoorthi, Senior Lecturer of Medical Faculty, Jaffna University participated as a special guest. The Proprietor of Navam Mangai Vasa and Social Worker Mrs Swarna Navaratnam and the Best Entrepreneur Mrs Janaki Kathiyarachchi participated as guests of honour. Secretary to the Governor L.Ilaangovan, Mullaitivu District Government Agent Mrs Roobavathi Ketheeswaran, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, women entrepreneurs, students and a large number of public also participated in this event.
