We're Better Together. International Womens Day 2025

By Mandy Gunewardena

A photo to remember the day

The aim for the afternoon was simple…to create a space where, all women of Sri Lanka come together, to celebrate and discuss what it means to be a Sri Lankan women. Regardless of race, religion, caste, sexuality, educational background, or other, we’re ‘Better Together’- our theme this year.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya sent her official wishes for the day. Her speech read for 20 minutes, with positive transformation as the resounding message.

Making sharp contrasts from our generational suffering with a newfound determination to equality, Harinis words both scratched the deepest layers and challenges of being a woman, whilst representing the fresh skin of women’s change in Sri Lanka, carrying an unwavering belief in Women and the institutional change paramount to this revelation.

“Women have born the brunt of economic and environmental insecurity, all the while continuing to play the vital role of sustaining their families and communities through unpaid care work.”

In that room, I was surrounded by a lineage of women who have experienced this reality in some intersectional form- breadwinners, caregivers, and undervalued contributors. Finally, we have a voice.

“Patriarchal structures have reinforced the idea that politics and leadership are a man’s domain” But this is shifting. Harini outlined a future where women’s voices will be central in social and political decision making.

We were also joined virtually by, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Poulraj and Member of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe who mirrored Harini’s message, and spoke

The ladies worked in groups at their tables to discuss the challenges of being a woman. I moved around and spoke with groups afterward to get a better idea of what was discussed. Some important topics which came up were on domestic violence, motherhood, and more.

Although miles and miles away, it was clear to see that this was more than just a hopeful vision, but an inevitable future for Sri Lanka.

Kandians and Tamils: One Stage

Following this, Ash Dance Foundation and Kalaalayam Dance School joined forces to celebrate the distinct Kandyan and Tamil dance traditions. But this was more than just a showcase of talent, it was an amalgamation of two styles, deeply embedded in Sri Lanka’s cultural fabric- performed, on one stage, in one colourful piece.

We are wired to focus on differences, to point out the ways which we differ from the person next to us, remaining perplexed by the decisions of others, and they’re way of being. But how many more similarities could we count if we really tried?

In a country where cultural divisions and hatred have previously been stoked for political gain, this performance draws on the newly nurtured feelings of national unity and beautifully highlights the closeness of cultures and shared styles.

Speakers from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim backgrounds took the stage, each voice adding to the collective strength in the room. It felt like a reflection of the future we’re building- one where all women, stand together, empowered and heard.

We’d love to hear your reflections on International Women’s Day—whether it's your thoughts on the event, personal opinions, or how you celebrate the day. Feel free to share with us via email at weslgroup@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 07918142430.