On March 16, 2024, Malayagam Canada members co-organized and participated in a virtual parallel event, held in conjunction with the UN’s 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, entitled “Empowering Up-Country Women: Bridging Gender Divides and Creating a Sustainable Future.”
Full video of the session is available below.
This session highlighted the essential contributions of Malaiyaha women to the history and economy of Sri Lanka, before and after independence from Britain. It further outlined the severe challenges they have faced: including decades-long deprivation of fundamental voting and citizenship rights, reports of coerced sterilization, and conditions of modern slavery. The event positively noted the role of Malaiyaha women in organizing unions and founding small businesses.
Speakers included former Canadian MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan. The event also featured a presentation from the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Modern Slavery, Tomoya Obokata. Video of his report is separately available below.