In 1993, the late Prof. Swarna Jayaweera reached out to a number of us in women’s organisations with important news — the Asia Pacific preparatory meeting for the Fourth World Conference on Women was taking shape.

“We realised that this was an event, a process that women from Sri Lanka must be involved in.”

And so, the Sri Lanka Women’s NGO Forum for Beijing (SLWNGOF) was formed.

Coming Together

The initial committee included:

• WMC

• CENWOR

• WERC

• Ruk Rekaganno

• SWDC

• Voice of Women

• MWRAF

• Kantha Shakti

• Agromart Foundation

• Muslim Women’s Conference

We were joined by Ms. Agnes Mendis, who came in as a non-organisation member. I was elected as the Coordinator.

We set to work — collecting and sharing information with women’s groups across the island and exploring funding possibilities. Eventually, we were successful in pulling together a consortium of donors to support our mission.

Regionally Engaged

“A number of us attended the first Asia Pacific NGO Preparatory meeting in Manila, in 1993.”

Then in 1994, Prof. Jayaweera and I, representing SLWNGOF, and the late Ms. Lalith Dissanayake, representing the Sri Lankan Government, participated in the Asia Pacific Governments Preparatory Meeting in Jakarta.

Creating Pathways of Information

At WMC, Sunila Abeysekera had the idea that we should connect with the Women’s Tribune Centre in New York — they were circulating brilliant, user-friendly material on the NGO Forum and Beijing Conference.

“We began receiving their magazine which had wonderful graphics and boxes and simple write ups on how women can engage, what were the issues… which finally became the 12 Critical Areas of Concern of the BPFA.”

These magazines were translated into Sinhala and Tamil, and mailed across our networks — sparking conversation, connection, and preparation.

A Landmark Moment

“We were able to send 60 Sri Lankan women NGO representatives to the NGO FORUM, BEIJING '95.”

It was historic. This was the first time such a large and diverse group — multi-ethnic, multi-religious women from across the country — journeyed together to such a global platform.

“It was the first time ever that such a large contingent… was able to do this.”

A Missed Trip, A New Leader

“I, unfortunately, was not able to join this first adventure. I had a baby in July of 1995.”

In my absence, Kumi Samuel led the group in Beijing.

Solidarity Beyond Borders

When the group returned, the transformation was visible.

“They said their learnings from the songs, posters, street theatre, just mingling with thousands of women were unforgettable.”

“Many of them realised their solidarity with women from countries so different from ours.”

The experience sparked new energy and deepened resolve.

The Journey Continues

Since Beijing '95, with support from ESCAP, UNIFEM South Asia, and CIDA in Sri Lanka, the SLWNGOF has led and supported a wide range of activities promoting women's rights.

“The networks among our NGOs in Sri Lanka are still strong. The issues they work on draw from the BPFA.”

Despite the wavering commitments of successive governments:

“I believe the benefits SL women's participation in the 5 year reviews have been and are important.”