Unveiling the Past: A Timeless Journey Through History
With the emergence of Free Trade Zones in Sri Lanka following the advent of open economy, many female workers suffered due to the oppressive policies of the government existed at the time. The working class was subjected to extreme exploitation. In this historic background, the Women’s Center was established in August 1982 to protect women’s, rights. Read more..
Shramika Sinhala News Paper
Shramika English News Paper
We join hands with her to provide justice for the injustice she suffered as she joined our awareness program.
After participating in our awareness programme, the factory management made several allegations against her and unfairly terminated her employment. She was subjected to pressure and was compelled to write a letter of resignation. In response to this injustice, the Women’s Centre intervened and brought the matter to the attention of the police and the relevant authorities in order to assist her in regaining her employment. This is her story.
Standing with Women Workers of Srilanka After Floods and Landslides ✊🏽💜
Women workers in Srilanka were severely affected by the floods and landslides following Cyclone Ditwah. Many lost their income, safe transport, and their homes were badly damaged, forcing them to stay in temporary shelters, including religious places.
In response, we carried out an essential dry-ration , Dignity kits and baby kits distribution across the country to support women workers and their families during this difficult time.
This is more than relief — it is solidarity in action. Together with our partners and volunteers, we continue to stand with women workers to protect dignity, livelihoods, and the right to a life free from crisis and neglect.
This initiative was funded by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation e.V. with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the Federal Republic of Germany.
International May Day 2025
The Women’s Centre Sri Lanka proudly hosted an inspiring international event in partnership with the World March of Women from April 24–26, 2025. Women workers from across the globe gathered for powerful protests and an international conference to stand against corporate exploitation, militarization, and labor injustices. Together, we raised our voices for feminist solidarity, corporate accountability, and a world where people’s lives and dignity come before profits. Globalize resistance, globalize feminist solidarity!
Live on News 1st, TV 01! Gayani Gomes represented the voices of women workers in Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zones and garment factories. She shared insights from the Women’s Centre, highlighting the challenges women face in the garment sector, their role in elections, and proposals for advancing gender equality. During the discussion, she emphasized the need for the Election Commission to uphold the rights and gender equality of all workers in the upcoming election.
“Good Food For A Good Life” – Celebrating World Food Day with FIAN Sri Lanka! The Women’s Centre proudly participated, representing the food rights of Free Trade Zone and garment factory workers. #WorldFoodDay #FoodRights #womenscentresrilanka
Press conference held on 23rd October 2024. Final Election Monitoring Reports 9th Presidential Election precented by MDL, MFFE, FIAN Sri Lanka.
Yesterday, the Women’s Centre Choir delivered a powerful and moving performance at Crescat Boulevard, as part of the museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Public Programmes for ‘Total Landscaping.’ Made up of members/women workers from the Free Trade Zone and dedicated human rights activists from the Women’s Centre, the choir united their voices to raise awareness on the rights and struggles faced by women in the garment industry and beyond. Our songs, featured in Jesper Nordahl’s 2006 project ‘Katunayake Free Trade Zone, music by & written by the Women’s Centre,’ continue to inspire action for social justice and women’s empowerment. #WomensCentreSriLanka #EmpowermentThroughMusic #HumanRights
Building a feminist world! Women’s Centre participated in the Asia Pacific Feminist Forum, organized by APWLD, to continue advocating for women’s rights and justice.
International Women’s Day 2024
Our Previous Events
NEWS
At present Women’s Centre is engaged in activities such as legal support for labour issues faced by FTZ workers, defend and promote human rights, women rights and labour rights, workshops and trainings on women leadership, reproductive health, 1325 resolution, celebrate women’s day, May Day and elimination of violence against women’s day, counseling for women, ethnic integration programs and print and distribute “Shramika” news paper. And also it maintains library for Women’s Centre members & Day Care Center for FTZ women workers’ children.
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Individual commitment to a group effort is what drives a team, a company, a society and a civilization!
Standing Against Gender-Based Violence: Urgent Reforms Needed Now!
