Jaffna women want to change society

JAFFNA, Sri Lanka (UCAN)

 Tamil women in Jaffna now want a greater say in building a peaceful society after the civil war.

“As mothers, wives and sisters, let us understand our responsibilities in society!” they shouted during a recent march through the streets of Jaffna.

Although men were the main casualties during the 26-year war which ended last May, women were most affected by the loss of family members and bread winners, as well as the migrations and displacements that occurred.

The civil war almost halved the Tamil population, which numbered 1.5 million in the 1980s, in their Jaffna stronghold.

Traditionally, women made decisions on household and health care matters, as well as children’s education, while the men made the major decisions on economic issues. But now, women are compelled to make almost all the decisions themselves.

That is why about 250 Hindu and Catholic women representatives from five different regions in Jaffna peninsula gathered in Jaffna city on March 15 to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

The special day was observed worldwide on March 8.

During their celebration, the Sri Lankan women sang Christian and Hindu hymns and had group discussions and a debate. The event was organized by the local Caritas unit, the Catholic Church’s social service agency.

The women, mostly housewives and workers, said they aim to become a force to be reckoned with in family and society. They hope to achieve this by going for higher education, attaining senior positions in their workplaces, and fulfilling their maternal duties well.

“We misjudge our power due to low literacy or negligence,” said Janaki Selvaratnam, 45, a member of a mothers’ association in Jaffna.

Church people point out that women’s responsibilities have increased in the absence of basic services and security. Most live in poverty and isolation and face gender-based violence. Abortions and divorces have also increased due to the war.

“These are noticeable shortcomings among us,” said Rubini Varathalingam, a government administrative official and a women’s activist.

Participants also pointed out that women’s representation in politics in Sri Lanka is less than 5 percent though over 50 percent of the country’s population and 56 percent of voters are women.

“By attaining higher education, and by high moral standards, any woman can lead society,” said Holy family Sister Evon George.

During the celebration, women shared their experiences of the struggles they face and highlighted the need for women to show solidarity with one another.