PHM-Exch> [PHM News] PHM Sri Lanka

[Claudio Schuftan]

*VOICE OF VOICELESS ON STAGE*



The People's Health Movement of Sri Lanka commemorated International
Women's Day on 17th March 2014 in Colombo.  It marked as a historical event.

A woman from the Thelungu (Gypsies) community addressed the gathering and
brought up their difficult situations.  She said that this is the first
occasion that a women from her community was given the opportunity to speak
in public and it showed their empowerment.  She explained the health
difficulties they undergo as they cannot gain access to any of the health
facilities because they go from place to place for their livelihood.  She
further mentioned that they have now decided not to change the living
places and presently they try to settle down In whatever places they come
across and by way of this they are able to get facilities for health and
education.  But with regret she mentioned that no government servants have
offered any assistance to them.

Currently the rural women have abandoned the agricultural sector and have
opted to work as labourers in the factories.  One woman explained the
hardships she faced during her employment abroad and stated that it was
almost a slavery job without any leave facilities and proper working times.
She further stated that they faced harassment and sexual abuse.

A woman from the PLHIV spoke about her difficulties of social
discrimination and that the blames comes to the woman than to the man.
Urban and rural women do not have the opportunity for employment.  Then the
Government commenced the Free Trade Zone and the women have become slaves
of their masters.  After that foreign jobs as housemaids were created and
with this the situation is worse.  At present, jobs under tourism is going
to be created and it is evident that there will be  more problems for the
women.

There was a very fruitful discussion among the participants.  Most of the
participants explained that we will have to challenge the prevailing system
to overcome the hardships faced by them.  However, as a short term target,
all agreed to work for better working conditions and facilities for foreign
housemaids.

A representative of the Fisheries Solidarity Movement voiced the
difficulties faced by  fisherwomen.

Sirimal Peiris

PHM Sri Lanka
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