This year the global theme is “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!", envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.

‘INVOLVEMENT OF PARLIAMENTARY CHAMPIONS OF SRHR"

Advocacy event and an integrated SRH-HIV clinic at Seeduwa

Under the activity 'Advocacy Through Parliamentarians' Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle organised an event to advocate women leaders in the Seeduwa area on the 22^nd of February at the UC grounds in Seeduwa. Their capacity was built on SRH rights of women, and how local policies need to be changed to achieve these right and ways in which adolescents, youth and women can initiate such changes at local government levels. In collaboration with the FPA Sri Lanka Medical unit, an integrated SRH-HIV clinic was also conducted simultaneously and over 130 women received these invaluable services. The Hon. Mayor of Seeduwa and Urban council members attended and were involved in this event.

Advocacy Programme and an integrated SRH-HIV clinic at Negombo

Facilitated by Hon Sudharshini Fernandopulle, MP for the area an advocacy event and family clinic was held at Thibirigaskatuwa in Negombo on the 28^th of February. Over 120 women leaders received training on how to incorporate SRHR into local level decisions and had the opportunity to get  a pap smear test, breast cancer screening and HIV test done. A few local government members showed their support by participating in this event.

TAKING FORWARD THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY AND HEALTH OF YOUNG PERSON’S POLICY FORWARD THROUGH PARLIAMENTARY CHAMPIONS - AT SWARNAPALI BALIKA VIDYALAYA, ANURADAPURA

On the 6^th of March, an impressive number of 1000 female students belonging to Swarnapali Balika Vidayalaya in Anuradhapura were educated on basic SRH. The session was facilitated by the District Secretary of the Anuradapura district, the Chief Women’s Development Officer of the Colombo district and the Provincial Health Director of North Central Province Dr. Palitha Bandara. This programme was also conducted as part of the parliamentary champions where Hon. Chandrani Banadara, Minister of Women's Affairs took the lead in facilitating the process.

Advocacy Programme and an integrated SRH-HIV clinic at Salgado Grounds, Anuradapura

In partnership with the Ministry of Women's Affairs, and under the auspices of Minister Chandrani Bandara, (MP for Anuradhapura) FPA Sri Lanka conducted an advocacy program in commemoration with the International women's day on the 7^th of March at Salgado Grounds in Anuradapura. Approximately  180 women leaders were educated on SRH and their rights to receive such services and on gender  violence. They also had access to services provided by the health clinic which was carried out by the FPA Sri Lanka Medical unit. Anuradapura municipal council members, other national and local level politicians and top level decision makers also attended this event.

Equality for Women is Progress for All” -  Film Screening and discussion

The Advocacy Unit of FPA Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Expert Committee on Women’s Health of  the Sri Lanka Medical Association and Women and Media Collective celebrated International Women’s Day 2015 by organizing an event themed ‘Equality for Women is Progress for All” and was held at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital on the 3^rd of March. The event included the screening of a collection of short films on issues related to gender and sexual health in both Sinhala and Tamil languages which was followed by a panel discussion. The participants in the event enthusiastically joined hands with the ‘I Decide campaign’, pledging to support sexual and reproductive health and rights. The occasion was graced by Prof. Jennifer Perera, the president of SLMA, who delivered the keynote address.