Sisterhood Initiative

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Sisterhood Initiative

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We work towards creating spaces for Muslim women in Sri Lanka to come together, share experiences, engage in curated discussions and find a sense of community among each other.

09/04/2026

Our last Sister Circles Halaqa was such a powerful reminder of the strength we find in one another—from exploring how we organize for change to finding ways to stay rooted in action during difficult times, the energy was truly special. 🤍✨

As we transition from our beautiful Ramadan Friday prayers and gatherings, we are keeping that momentum going! We’d love for you to join our next circle as we continue to pray, learn, and reflect together. 📖🤲🏾

Whether you’ve been with us every week or are joining for the first time, there is a seat for you in this supportive community.

Next Session Details:

🗓️ Date: Friday, April 10th

⏰ Time: 5:45 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: Colombo (DM for specific details!)

A few things to note:

Children are always welcome! 🌸

We are happy to provide a small transportation allowance if needed. 🚗

Spots are limited, so please drop me a message to confirm your place! 📩

We can’t wait to see you there and share this space with you. Insha’Allah! 💜🧡

01/04/2026

Our Admin Coordinator; Samiha recently joined feminist organizers from Africa, Latin America, and Asia for the FON Project International Seminar; a space dedicated to "capitalizing" on our collective knowledge and feminist praxis.

At SI, our focus was on GBV Case Management and Access to Justice. We shared our strategies for navigating complex systems and, more importantly, learned from the incredible resilience of our global partners. 🌍

Through deep listening and cross-regional sharing, we have gained new insights into overcoming the barriers that survivors face.

29/03/2026

International Women's Day has come and gone, but for the women powering Sri Lanka’s economy, the struggle for basic dignity remains a daily reality. The Commercial and Industrial Workers Union recently held a press conference to demand justice for Paramasivam Pushpalatha, a garment worker at the Brandix Avissawella factory who died last year after being denied medical leave.

Pushpalatha’s story is not an isolated incident; it is a tragic symptom of a widespread culture of exploitation where profits are often prioritized over actual human lives. While the world celebrated women’s empowerment earlier this month, workers and union staff seeking accountability for this case have faced threats and intimidation from Brandix management.

True empowerment for women is impossible without workplace safety and the right to organize without fear. Pushpalatha’s case is one of many, and it serves as an important reminder that the fight for justice must continue every single day until every worker and every woman is protected.

25/03/2026

From shared stories to stitched resistance, our head of Finance; Angela’s experience at CREA’s global convening in Nepal brought together feminists and activists across regions to exchange knowledge, reflect, and reimagine advocacy.

Beyond the conference rooms, sessions like “Diary of Ruptures” invited them to sit with their thoughts without the pressure of resolution, while “What We Cannot Say We Stitch” reminded them that resistance can live in craft, culture, and community practices. The exhibition spaces further amplified critical conversations on digital rights, disability justice, and diverse feminist struggles across contexts.

Alongside these moments were powerful screenings and discussions, including reflections following “Go Home Gota”, as well as meaningful encounters with activists and organizers from across the globe.

This gathering was not only a space for learning, but for connection, solidarity, and collective imagining; extending beyond formal sessions into shared experiences, conversations, and cultural explorations in Nepal.

19/03/2026

As Ramadan comes to an end, it is important to reflect on the gaps in access to justice that continue to affect women. During this month, Quazi offices remain closed, resulting in delays in divorce proceedings and disruptions in maintenance payments for financially vulnerable women.

At the same time, cases of forced marriage and coercion do not pause. Women continue to face pressure to consent, often without access to legal recourse or support systems.

Access to justice should not be conditional or seasonal. Systems meant to protect women must remain accessible, especially when vulnerabilities are heightened.

We must continue to advocate for consent, accountability, and uninterrupted access to justice for all women. ✨

15/03/2026

Ramadan is a time for reflection, connection, and meaningful conversation 💜🧡

On the 3rd of March, the Sisterhood Initiative gathered at the UN Conference Halls for a special UN Iftar that brought together passionate advocates and community members for an evening of dialogue and connection.

The space opened up insightful discussions on women’s rights and well-being, including conversations on reproductive rights and the importance of creating supportive environments where women can thrive.

We also shared more about the work of Sisterhood Initiative and the efforts through which we continue to build supportive spaces for women across communities. As the call to break fast approached, the evening transitioned into a moment of togetherness, turning the gathering into a space not only for reflection but also for connection and networking.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the evening truly impactful.

12/03/2026

On 7th March, the Sisterhood gathered for a special Book Club Iftar, and the room was filled with curious minds, marked pages, and meaningful conversations!

We had a full house of thoughtful readers annotating and discussing the third chapter “Black Cobra” from “Heart Lamp” by Banu Mushtaq where we explored themes of women’s struggles, quiet resistance, and the enduring power of solidarity. As the evening unfolded, we broke our fast over a scrumptious Turkish fusion spread by & Bistro, whose warm hospitality and delicious food truly elevated the experience. The night then continued with prayers and further meaningful dialogue.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us, and to Chayhane for the wonderful food and space that made this gathering possible. Here’s to many more evenings of stories, reflection, and shared circles of building communities, one conversation at a time 💜🧡

23/02/2026

Join Sisterhood Initiative for our first Book Club Iftar! 🌙📚

This March, we’re coming together over food, faith, and feminist storytelling as we dive into Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, winner of the 2025 International Booker Prize. For this evening, we’ll be reading Chapter 3: “Black Cobras”, exploring themes of women’s struggles, quiet resistance, and the enduring power of solidarity.

As we break fast together, we’ll hold space for reflection and conversation, on resilience, sisterhood, and why standing together matters now more than ever.

📅 Date: Saturday, 7th March 2026
🕠 Time: 5.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
📍 Venue: Colombo (exact details will be shared upon registration)

This event is open to any woman interested — come as you are, bring a friend, and join us for an evening of meaningful dialogue and connection. Register first at bit.ly/BookClubIftharWithSI for more information! 💜🧡

22/02/2026

After a series of online sessions with Dr Kate on feminist research methodologies, we finally had the chance to meet her in person!

Kate Cronin-Furman is an Associate Professor of Human Rights in the Department of Political Science of University College London, and the Director of the Human Rights Masters Programme at UCL.

We spoke openly about our roles as feminist researchers, about what it really means to approach stories and communities with care, and how to navigate trauma-informed work while also protecting ourselves from secondary trauma. Some of our team members shared their experiences volunteering during Cyclon Ditwah and what it felt like to be part of the support team in terms of the emotional weight, the learning, and the solidarity.

These conversations reminded us why we do this work. We’re excited to carry these reflections forward and continue building on research and advocacy that centres lived experiences and unheard voices. We thank Dr. Kate for her time and efforts for helping us imagine a feminist future! 👩🏽‍🏫✨

18/02/2026

On the 14th of February, at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, day two of “Memories of the North” opened the space for reflection through dialogue and engagement.

The day began with a panel discussion moderated by Swasthika Arulingam, featuring Farzana Hanifa, SCC Elankovan, Mirak Raheem and Ameer Faaiz. The discussion examined the historical, social, and political realities surrounding the 1990 forced expulsion, encouraging the audience to move beyond acknowledgment and towards deeper understanding. Questions from attendees reflected a readiness to engage and confront difficult truths.

In the evening, the documentary screening of “Amid the Villus” was moderated by its director, Sumathy Sivamohan. The conversations that followed extended beyond the formal programme, as participants reflected and connected the narratives on screen to broader questions of memory, justice, and responsibility.

Day two reaffirmed that remembrance alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by dialogue that challenges assumptions, invites continued learning, and insists that histories of conflict are not forgotten.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the speakers, moderators, volunteers, and every individual who joined us across both days. Your presence, your questions, and your willingness to engage transformed these sessions into meaningful collective spaces.

17/02/2026

On the 13th of February, at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, Day one of “Memories of the North” opened its doors to the public. The exhibition was organised by Chelvanayakam Memorial Trust, Women’s Action Network, Rural Development Foundation, Alliance for Minorities, and Sisterhood Initiative, whose collective efforts created a space for remembrance and shared learning.

The day centred on a photography exhibition documenting the 1990 forced expulsion of Northern Muslims, a moment in history that uprooted an entire community within hours. Visitors moved through the space with intention, taking their time to engage with each photograph, each caption, and each story preserved within the frames. The exhibition brought together a diverse audience from different cultural and social backgrounds, many arriving prepared to listen, to learn, and to confront the uncomfortable truths that history often leaves behind.

Members of the SI team guided attendees throughout the exhibition, providing context and facilitating meaningful conversations. Several visitors shared personal accounts and first hand experiences of the 1990 forced expulsion, transforming the space into one of collective remembrance.

Day one was a reminder that history does not exist only in archives or photographs. It lives in memories, in communities, and in the consequences of silence.

Address

Galle
80000

Website

https://sisterhoodinitiative.org/

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