Women's Education & Research Centre (WERC)

12/05/2026

Glimpses of the book launch: "The Journey That Shaped Me", autobiography of Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran.

A beautiful evening celebrating the life and work of Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, writer, researcher and Founder Executive Director of the Women's Education and Research Centre was held on the 25th of April, 2026 at the Girls' Friendly Society, Colombo 03.

The guest speakers at the event were Prof. Sonia Amin, formerly of the Department of History, University of Dhaka, and Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, Executive Director, Women and Media Collective.

A first copy was presented to Dr. Kumari Jayawardena, Co-founder of the Women's Education and Research Centre and former Secretary of the Social Scientists Association, and Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the collective journey of the women's movement and the profound impact of one woman’s vision and voice.

Lanka

31/03/2026

The award ceremony for the second cohort (2025) of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies was held on March 26, 2026, at the University of Jaffna. A collaborative initiative between the Women’s Education and Research Centre (WERC) and the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) of the University of Jaffna, the event was graced by Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor Thirunavukkarasu Velnampy and members of the university faculty.

The Certificate Course in Women's Studies is supported by CREA under the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) project.

23/03/2026

Pravahini - Sinhala Newsletter

Deadline for submissions - 05th April, 2026

16/03/2026

On 12th March, WERC organized an educational session for 150 students at the Thalalla Vocational Training Centre on Gender-Based Violence and its implications on mental health. The session was conducted by Ms. Hashi Silva, Lecturer and Psychological Counsellor. The session focused on gender based violence, its impact on mental health and available helplines. The students also received booklets that focus on expanding their understanding on sexual and reproductive health rights.

10/03/2026

“Rights, Justice, Action: For ALL Women and Girls”

This International Women's Day 2026, the Women's Education and Research Centre brought together members of civil society, academics and youth, reiterating the urgent need to advance the rights of women and girls and address the various forms of violence and discrimination they face within both physical and digital spaces.

Held on Saturday, 07 March 2026, at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Orchid Hall, the program featured creative awareness performances. A puppet show by the Women’s Centre highlighted the issue of violence against women, using storytelling to reflect the lived realities of many women and the importance of collective action. Performances by Prajadiriya Foundation, Puttalam, utilizing traditional folk art focused on digital violence against women, raising awareness about harassment and abuse faced by women within online spaces.

A panel discussion on “Addressing Workplace Harassment Against Women and Strengthening Access to Support and Helpline Services in Sri Lanka” featured Chamila Thushari, Yogeshwari Krishnan, Naushalya Rajapaksha, and Supeshala Rathnayake - prominent members of civil society, who shared their expertise and insights on workplace challenges faced by women, the importance of institutional accountability, and the need to strengthen accessible support mechanisms and helpline services for survivors of harassment and violence.

WERC remains committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that institutional accountability and support services reach those who need them most.

25/02/2026

Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls!
This International Women's Day, join us as we come together to raise our voices to create safer spaces for all women and girls.
WERC presents a powerful and creative evening featuring inspiring activities and meaningful conversations.
📍 Venue: BMICH, Orchid Hall
📅 Date: Saturday, 7th March - 2026
⏰ Time: 2.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Registration link - https://forms.gle/3N9SM4XGSqJwZntFA

24/02/2026

Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls!

This International Women's Day, join us as we come together to raise our voices to create safer spaces for all women and girls.

WERC presents a powerful and creative evening featuring inspiring activities and meaningful conversations.

📍 Venue: BMICH, Orchid Hall
📅 Date: Saturday, 7th March - 2026
⏰ Time: 2.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Registration link - https://forms.gle/3N9SM4XGSqJwZntFA

10/02/2026

🌍✨ IRSGEE–2026 | VIYOMAM ✨🌍

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), University of Jaffna proudly presents the 3rd International Research Symposium on Gender Equity and Equality (IRSGEE–2026) — VIYOMAM, meaning vastness and boundless space.

Held as part of JUICe – 2026, this international symposium brings together scholars, activists, educators, and change-makers from around the world to share ideas, research, and lived experiences on gender equity and equality.

💡 Theme:
From Policy to Practice: Making Gender Equity and Equality a Lived Reality - கொள்கையிலிருந்து நடைமுறைக்கு: பால்நிலை ஒப்புரவையும் சமத்துவத்தையும் வாழ்வியலாக்கல்

Let us move beyond words and policies — and work together to create real, lasting change.

🤝 In collaboration with the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, University of Jaffna and the Student Christian Movement of Sri Lanka.

📌 Check the flyer for details on submissions, deadlines, and registration.
📢 Please like, share, and spread the word!

07/01/2026

Call for Submissions: Nivedini Gender Journal - Tamil

We invite writers, journalists, and academics to contribute insightful articles to our annual gender journal, Nivedini. This is an opportunity to share your perspectives on women's rights, feminism, and challenge the systemic barriers that limit women's potential.

The Women's Education and Research Centre (WERC) encourages you to submit your work and join us in our mission to promote gender equality.
Deadline for submissions : 27th February 2026
Submission Language : Tamil

For more information : https://drive.google.com/file/d/14HLDvF1R980pC5CA_k1ufs8ZaAmzOvgr/view?usp=drive_link

03/12/2025

❌❌This event has been postponed❌❌

Owing to the unexpected situation in the country, this event has been postponed. We hope you and your loved ones our safe.

Unmute Her Silence: Raising Voices for Her Safety!

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence - 2025

As part of the global UNiTE Campaign, WERC presents a powerful and creative evening featuring inspiring activities and meaningful conversations.

📍 Venue: BMICH, Lavender Hall
📅 Date: Saturday, 6th December 2025
⏰ Time: 2.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Registration link - https://forms.gle/WM9B1iEc8W4NDB5D7

26/11/2025

Weaving Culture, Remembering Voices

The South Asia Conference 2025 – Gender and Heritage, hosted by the Women’s Education and Research Centre on the 21st and 22nd of November at Radisson Colombo, concluded successfully, supported by CREA - Feminist Opportunities Now (FON).

The Conference brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and members of civil society from across the region - creating a meaningful space for dialogue, exchange, and collective reflection. It offered participants the opportunity to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and co-create new knowledge on the intersections of gender, culture, and heritage.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Farzana Haniffa of the University of Colombo, explored the theme against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's Muslim community setting the tone for the two-day conference. The presenters at the conference shared papers that spanned the South Asian region, exploring diverse cultural representations, heritage narratives, and identity formations, and examining their implications for gender justice and inclusivity. The conversations highlighted both common challenges and rich regional specificities, opening pathways for future collaborations and deeper inquiry.