"Protect Life, Eradicate Abortion"

A workshop on the theme, “Protect Life, Eradicate Abortion” was held at the Ashoka Pre – School in Anuradhapura on January 15,  2008 for a group of 110 women and 17 men. This awareness workshop was organized by Caritas Anuradhapura – Sethsaviya in collaboration with the Women’s Development Unit of Caritas Sri Lanka(CSL) – SEDEC as part of the Unit’s ongoing Pro- Life campaign.

The objectives of the workshop was to highlight the importance of human life, abortion, laws on abortions and  religious teachings from all four major religions on the protection and value of life. 

Rev. Sr. Kathleen, of the Women’s Development Unit of CSL-SEDEC addressing the gathering stated, “many women are ignorant of how abortions are done and of the trauma they undergo by performing abortions using unhygienic instruments.” She also explained the responsibility of a mother in educating her children on the importance and value of life.

The participants were divided into four groups and each group was given four case studies for discussion and evaluation. The findings of these case studies were recorded for future reference of the Women’s Development Unit. 

The resource person for the workshop was, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando O.M.I, a Gynecologist who served the public in this field for 14 years before he answered God’s call to be a follower. Among the other special invitees gathered at the workshop were, Rev. Fr. Paaris Jayamaha, Diocesan Director of Caritas Anuradhapura – Sethsaviya,    The Chief Incumbant of Alokaramaya – Minneriya, Pastor Oska Fernando, a health inspector from Polunnaruwa, a Mid-wife from the area and a Government Agricultural Officer from Minneriya.
 
Three(3) other awareness Programmes on the “Right to Life” were conducted on 28th November 2007 by Sr. Nisansala’ s at the Holy Cross College in Gampaha. Primary School Teachers, Parents and school girls from grades 9 – 13, boarded at the hostel participated for this workshop .

Cartias participates at 14th Asia Pacific Congress held in Bangkok

Human Life International (HLI) held its 14th Congress from12th -14th November at Baan Phu Waan – Pastrol Training Centre Bangkok Archdiocese on “Interfaith Dialogue and Solidarity on the Value and Meaning of Life”.  600 representatives from 15 countries participated for this congress. At the congress, each country had an opportunity of highlighting the activities carried out   with regard to the protection of life within their countries. The sessions concluded on 14th Nov. with the Eucharistic celebration by His Excellency Bishop Philip Banchong Chaiyara. Mr. Newman Fernando, Senior Executive Manager and Sr. Mary Kathleen A.C. Head of the Women’s Development Unit of represented Caritas Sri Lanka.

His Grace Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic Nuncio read the Holy
Father’s Message.

Some of the topics presentated were : –

Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer – President HLI

"Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls.”

International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2007 recognizes and celebrates the contribution of women all around the world. The United Nations theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls.”

To mark International Women's day in Sri Lanka , Caritas Kandy – SETIK in Collaboration with Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC organized a peaceful campaign and dialogue session in Kandy .

Around 300 women, young and old gathered outside the George E De Silva Park in Kandy in the blazing hot sun to participate in the campaign. The women carried slogans in Sinhala, English and Tamil bearing different issues and chanted them loud for the relevant authorities to take notice. Most of the women who participated in this campaign were from the plantation sector from the districts of Kandy , Matale, and Nuweraeliya . The objective of the peaceful protest campaign was to highlight the problems of women in today's society.

Diocesan Director of Caritas Kandy – SETIK , Fr. George Sigamany, in his welcome address explained the objectives of the dialogue session which was held after the protest campaign at the SETIK auditorium , Kandy . He said that we all have a responsibility to protect the rights of women and listen to their woes. He also added saying that this dialogue session would be a great opportunity for all women gathered today to share their sorrows and discuss their rights due to oppression / violation and find solution for their problems. An important point that was brought out from his address was that the minutes from this discussion would be tabulated and presented to the media and relevant government departments such as women affairs for their consideration.

In Sri Lanka , According to the highlights on radio on the 8 th of March, 52% of the population are women and women contribute 60% to the economy with their labour. However most of the time women are not given their due place and do not share the same equal privileges as men. “ Everybody is equal under the law , even women “ said Surangika Ranaweera, lawyer at the day's celebration.

Mr. Sampath Ariyasena, one of the distinguished guest present, pointed out in his speech that Caritas Sri Lanka had supported and offered financial assistance for those women who were repatriated from Lebanon due to the war.

Apart from Mr. Sampath Ariyasena Mr. Asoka Polgasdeniya, Special welfare coordinator of the Foreign Employment Bureau, distinguished lawyers and lecturers of Universities, Reverend sisters and Sr. Kathleen, Coordinator of the Women's Unit at Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC were among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion.

After the discussion, the women were grouped into three according to their issues, namely, human rights, plantation workers and migrant women and their problems were discussed further.

When questioned about the day's proceedings a participant Pathwathi and her husband Wijesinghe said “ We were able to participate in something worthwhile and educational today ! ”