Rosy Senanayake meets UN Under Secretary General in New York

Saturday, 25 April 2015 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rosy Senanayake, the State Minister of Child Affairs recently met with Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women in New York. At the meeting, Senanayake and Mlambo-Ngcuka discussed the current status and development of Sri Lanka. Key points discussed included the large amount of female-headed households in the country and measures taken by the Government to appoint a committee to help improve the socio-economic conditions of these women. Plans to support these women include setting up a national centre in the north of Sri Lanka. The State Minister also highlighted her intention to assist female ex-combatants and help them re-integrate into society through skill-based training and livelihood programs. The State Minister also discussed her concerns about the high rate of violence against women and how she hopes to encourage the participation of women in politics. Mlambo-Ngcuka stated that UN Women is increasing its activities in Sri Lanka and has negotiated a programme which will help increase the political participation of women in the country. She also spoke about the UN Peace Building Fund, which will help the economic empowerment of women in Sri Lanka and provide psychological and socio-economic support for war widows. The delegations also highlighted the importance of gender budgeting to encourage domestic reforms which are crucial to developing a sustainable economy. Senanayake also stated that Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is keen on gender responsive budgeting and his aim is to establish nine industrial zones in the country and one which will be set up in the area that has the highest percentage of female-headed households.