Improved access to services on GBV and sexual and reproductive health for women and young

• UNFPA and implementing partners sign 2020 Annual Work Plans for project funded by Government of Japan

According to the Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics in 2016, in Sri Lanka, 17% of ever-married women aged 15-49 years have suffered from domestic violence from their intimate partner. 

Research shows that 50% of youth in Sri Lanka have limited knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health and 35% of married women are not using any form of contraception.

Lack of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights and sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is not only closely related with each other but they also make it harder for women and young people to contribute to peace, growth and development of the country.

The United Nations Population Fund and its implementing partners Women in Need, Women Development Centre, Jaffna Social Action Centre and Family Planning Association Sri Lanka recently signed their annual work plans for the year 2020 to address these issues of sexual and gender-based violence and the lack of access to sexual and reproductive health information.

This partnership is within a project worth $ 1.4 million funded by the Government of Japan as part of Japan’s larger commitment with the Sri Lankan Government to implement programs that increase the participation of women and young people in maintaining peace, security, and development of the country. 

Under this project UNFPA and the partners will work with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women and Childs Affairs and Social Security.