News
Army Women’s Corps to hold symposium on role of women in peace and sustainable development
View(s):“Women- the bedrock of peace and sustainable development” will be the theme of a conference organised to mark the 39th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps to be held at the BMICH on Tuesday. The event will bring together around 450 participants–from the three forces, the police, academics and state and private sector officials–Maj Gen Aruna Wanniarchchi, Director General, Training said this week.
The gathering, a first of its kind is organised to provide a platform to promote learning, networking and interaction of women in academia, civil society and the military, for peace and sustainable development. The symposium will also offer a space to discuss opportunities on the contributions women can make toward peace and sustainable development. The role the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps and potential contributions towards the peace and sustainability will also be deliberated.
Statistically, women outnumber men in Sri Lanka and should be given an opportunity to make a greater contribution to the nation said Prof. Jeeva Niriella, Head of Department of Public and International Law at the University of Colombo. Women’s contribution is essential to reach sustainable development she claimed, pointing out that women need empowerment not handouts.
The Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC) established in 1979 has grown to a strength of 5000 officers and ranks, serving in regular and volunteer formations today.