Gigantic rivers start as tiny water springs. Similarly small initiatives can make big changes. It is remarkable to see a small group of women growing into a women's forum and further into an organization that provides services and work similar to WDC among their communities.Several services offered by non-governmental organizations are long lasting.
Today we see many people reap the benefits of the seeds sown by our organization, and I believe that we can raise our vision by sowing seeds of our work through the wide world. Now our country is involved in building up in a post war situation. Fifteen years ago we commenced our mission to facilitate measures to overcome challenges faced by women and children burdened by war. As a result the women's fora in Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Rajarata, Akkaraipattu, Kalmunai have developed into active organizations that serve women and children of their communities during war ridden circumstances or any other situation. Now they extend their services to others and not only to women and children.
The prevention of Violence against women project conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA has helped us to address a range of problems faced by these communities. During the past three months we have been able to facilitate the issue of various legal documents which were lost during the war. In Vavuniya and Batticaloa districts 500 persons received Birth Certificates, 300 individuals obtained National Identity Cards and some others received Death Certificates for their family members who were lost due to the war. Marriage Certificates and Deeds for properties also were issued to people. We conducted a similar program for the plantation community in the Nuwara-eliya district.
Sustainable peace can be attained only by establishing an environment to promote trust and respect among all ethnic groups within communities. For this purpose we did not distribute survey reports, booklets and such material. What we at WDC did was, strategize what we identified. Now, we see results of this effort. In 2004, the "Peace through Food Culture" exhibition and trade fair concept has helped women affiliated to WDC groups share and appreciate diverse food patterns and preparations of other ethnicities or cultures. For these women the predicted global food crisis will not be as bleak because they have learnt to use indigenous food items as well as adapt to different preparations. Home Gardening has been advocated in all women's forum areas with training and knowledge provided to the women.
HIV/AIDS is not a terrifying threat in Sri Lanka right now but it appears like an iceberg. WDC commenced the prevention of HIV/AIDS program in 1998 and we can consider our small efforts have contributed to a vast national mission to minimize the threat of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. It is evident in the program we conduct for commercial sex workers, where we have formed a women's group for them. Awareness on personal hygiene, importance of medical examinations, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) as well as alternative income generation prospects with skills training are provided to these women at monthly meetings at the STD clinic Kandy. A modest exercise, yet until now none of these women have tested positive for HIV. Some have abandoned the profession and engage in other income generation prospects such as fruit sales, making rugs, candles, or incense sticks.
It has been possible to improve the standard of living of women at the grassroots through simple interventions in our empowerment program. It is our accomplishment when such women have received recognition or awards from the government or other non-governmental organizations.
So, Change is possible - we can - this is apparent in what we discussed above.
W L A D Chandrathilaka
Deputy Coordinator
WDC
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