SFCG Implements Programs to Boost Women’s Political Participation in Eastern Province
With UNDP support, Search for Common Ground is implementing programs in the Eastern Province to promote women’s political participation and civil society networking.
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Search for Common Ground (SFCG) has been implementing programs in the Eastern Province with a focus on increasing women’s participation in politics and building networks among civil society organizations working on women’s issues. UNDP provides financial support for this initiative.
As the first phase of the project, a dialogue for women participating in politics was held on 16 December 2025, followed by a dialogue for civil society and community representatives on 17 December 2025. Subsequently, sessions for representatives from the Ampara District were conducted on 20 and 23 December 2025. During these sessions, participants shared the challenges they face in both political and social, economic and resource mobilisation spheres related to challenges against meaningful participation in the political decision-making process . They also proposed several measures to address these issues in the future.
The following key needs and recommendations were identified:
Recommendations should be developed to ensure women’s participation and safety in politics.
Awareness-raising and capacity-building programs should be organized on political policies, proposals, and legal frameworks.
Safe and supportive environments should be ensured for women to report incidents of violence.
Training should be provided for women on dealing with online hate speech, responsible social media use, and digital safety.
Economic empowerment has become an urgent need for women; strengthening women economically will lead to increased social and political participation.
Participants also engaged in discussions on continuing to strengthen women’s roles and empowerment through the organizations and groups they represent. It was emphasized that these efforts should not be limited to these workshops alone, but should continue through sustained and ongoing activities. It is noteworthy that SFCG has previously implemented programs in the Batticaloa District aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of young women.
