By Sri Lanka Takes Strides Towards Gender Equality: Draft Bill on Gender Socialisation Equality Cleared for Parliamentary Approval”
Sri Lanka’s Attorney General has given the green light to a draft bill on Gender Socialisation Equality, marking a significant step towards addressing gender imbalances in the country. The government announced on Tuesday, March 12, that the cabinet of ministers, following the proposal of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has approved the bill for publication in the government gazette. The President, also serving as the Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, spearheads this initiative.
The legislation, initially endorsed by the cabinet in September 2023, aims to rectify gender imbalances in the process of gender socialisation. This process involves instructing individuals, both young and old, on how to conform to societal expectations based on gender roles. In tandem with this, a second bill titled the Women’s Empowerment Bill received cabinet approval in September 2023, endorsing the establishment of an independent National Women’s Commission. This commission will play a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights and ensuring gender socialisation equality.
Actions Beyond Rhetoric:
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of concrete actions beyond rhetoric in his speech during an International Women’s Day event in Colombo on March 8, 2024. He disclosed plans to create a Gender Equality Council with ministerial powers and establish a gender center to address issues at the ministerial level. These initiatives aim to fortify institutions dedicated to advancing women’s rights, addressing a longstanding gap in legislative support for gender equality in the country.
