Colombo, Sri Lanka - In a significant step towards enhancing services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Sri Lanka, 278 computers were officially handed over to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (MOWCA) to be distributed to Women Development Units across the country. Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative handed over the laptops to Ms. Yamuna Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. This initiative, in response to a request by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, was made possible through the generous funding provided by the Government of Japan, with the aim to support the establishment of a comprehensive database on referral services for survivors of violence.

The computers worth USD $260,000 will be utilized by Women Development Units to regularly update the new GBV referral services database. This database set to be up and live in the coming months, will include vital information such as the names of service provider organizations, types of services available, and focal point contact details at both the district and divisional levels. This database will create a platform for Women Development Officers, Counselling Assistants and Child Rights Promotion Officers at Women Development Units, to access updated data and information on available resources, enabling them to swiftly and accurately refer survivors to appropriate support services within their localities. 

The GBV referral services database is part of UNFPA Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to strengthen coordination among WDOs, protection workers, social service providers, and law enforcement authorities, in addressing gender-based violence at both the community and national levels. This database is expected to significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of GBV interventions in times of distress, contributing to a more survivor-centered service delivery support system. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka extends its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs and the People of Japan for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing gender equality and addressing GBV in Sri Lanka.