Australian High Commission celebrates International Women’s Day

Wednesday, 16 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Rathanayaka and High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson

From left: Elizabeth Ward, Nayomini R Weerasooriya, Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Rathanayaka and High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson

Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Ahamed Nazeer and High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson

Marini Livera, Senior Legal Adviser to the Minster of Women’s Affairs and Child Development

Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson, hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate International Women’s Day on 11 March.

Minister for Law and Order and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake was the keynote speaker at the event.

Minister Ratnayake reminded guests that Sri Lanka was first in the world to appoint a female Prime Minister, but he also spoke about the challenges that exist in progressing gender equality, noting that further change must come not only from Sri Lankan women but from fathers, husbands and brothers.

Marini Livera, Senior Legal Adviser to the Minster of Women’s Affairs and Child Development, also spoke at the event. She was inspired by a recent professional trip to Melbourne where she was able to study the Australian legal aid and family court system and how multi-disciplinary coordination of services through the judicial system can be delivered to victims of gender based violence.

The Australian High Commissioner, in his remarks, noted the importance of men, especially those in positions of power and influence, helping to advance gender equality worldwide. He spoke about the Male Champions of Change initiative in Australia. He also announced a partnership between Australia and the Sri Lankan Police Commission to deliver training to officers involved in investigating crimes against women and girls.