Editor

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies – Batch III
program was a momentous occasion, celebrating the accomplishments. Through speeches,
performances and awards, the ceremony underscored the importance of women’s education,
advocacy and collective action in advancing gender equality, reflecting its significance in
honouring students’ achievements.
The Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies, held on
March 26 th , 2026, at the Hoover Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, was a
significant milestone in acknowledging the accomplishments of twenty-four (24) students
who completed the program. Organized by the Women Education Research Centre (WERC),
Colombo in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) and the
Staff Development Centre (SDC) at the University of Jaffna (UoJ), this event was
coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.) Dilogini Sangarathas, Coordinator of the course.
The event kicked off with a lively welcome dance performed by 1 st year students of Faculty
of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, followed by a welcome address delivered by
Ms.Sivagowri Rajashanthan, Director, CGEE, along with remarks from Prof.
Poobalasuntharam Iyngaran, Director, SDC and special word of blessings from Snr. Prof.
Thirunavukkarasu Velnampy, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna.
Subsequently, 24 students of the batch III Program were honored and recognized, and the
ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests,
students, participants, organizers and supporters, serving as evidence to the collective efforts
towards advancing gender equity and women’s empowerment.

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), University of Jaffna, hosted a meeting with Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, along with Ms. Kayathiri Kumaran, Field Coordination Associate, and other UN representatives on 26 March 2026.
Prior to the meeting with CGEE, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor T. Velnamby. The discussions at the Board Room focused on past collaborations between the University and the United Nations, as well as ongoing initiatives related to gender equity and equality.
Dr. S. Rajashanthan, Director of CGEE, presented an overview of the Centre’s activities and key areas of engagement. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss gender-related concerns affecting students and staff and to explore avenues for future collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and promoting joint initiatives to advance gender equity and social inclusion.

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), in collaboration with the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), University of Jaffna, organized a series of activities under the theme “Give to Gain.”
An Essay and Speech Competition was conducted for undergraduate students, academic staff, and non-academic staff to promote awareness of gender equity and women’s empowerment. The competitions attracted enthusiastic participation from both the Jaffna and Kilinochchi premises, providing a platform for critical thinking, creativity, and public speaking. Winners were recognized, and certificates were awarded to all participants.
As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, CGEE also organized an Empowerment Programme at the Hindu Children’s Home, Thirunelvely, on 8 March 2026. Nearly 100 children participated in interactive sessions on leadership, personal hygiene, mental wellbeing, and cybersecurity. The programme was further enriched by awareness dramas and interactive activities conducted by the Department of Drama and Theatre. CGEE also donated stationery items to all participating children.
These initiatives successfully promoted awareness, empowerment, and community engagement while reaffirming the University of Jaffna’s commitment to gender equity and social inclusion.

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), University of Jaffna, organized a special screening of short documentary films on 13th February 2026 at the Arts Seminar Hall, Faculty of Arts, as part of the global One Billion Rising 2026 campaign advocating the elimination of violence against women and the promotion of gender equity.
The programme commenced at 2.00 p.m. with the participation of Prof. N. Kengatharan, Acting Vice Chancellor, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. K. Shanmuganathan, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts, as the Guest of Honour. Nearly 100 participants, including academic staff and students from various faculties, attended the event.
Four short documentary films highlighting women’s lives, resilience, and empowerment were screened: ‘கசிவு’ by Ms. Radhakrushnan Dharshini, ‘அலை மகள்’ by Mr. Gunapalan Elangeeran, ‘கபடி’ by Ms. Thamiliny Sritharan, and ‘Terracotta Jewels’ by Mr. Rajalingam Manoj.
The screenings were followed by an interactive panel discussion with Ms. Araby Sivakugan, Ms. Shokina, and Mr. Nivethan, encouraging discussions on gender inequality, women’s health, economic empowerment, and social barriers.
The programme successfully created awareness and meaningful dialogue on gender-related issues while reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in promoting justice, dignity, and equality.

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), University of Jaffna, organized an awareness programme titled “16 Days of Activism Against Digital Gender-Based Violence: An Awareness Session with Artistic Performances” on 21st January 2026 from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. at the Physics Mini Auditorium, University of Jaffna.
The programme was honoured by the presence of Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna, and coordinated by Mrs. Riophilla Luckson and Dr. Rajeetha Miraaj.
The event aimed to raise awareness on emerging forms of digital gender-based violence through academic discussions and artistic performances. The Welcome Address was delivered by Mrs. Riophilla F. Luckson, followed by the Address by the Director of CGEE, Mrs. Sivagowri Rajashanthan, who emphasized the importance of digital safety, legal awareness, and ethical digital citizenship.
The programme included poetry readings, student speeches, dance performances, drama, and role plays highlighting the emotional, social, and legal dimensions of digital gender-based violence. A presentation titled “Digital Gender Violence in Sri Lanka: Emerging Trends, Legal Frameworks, and Policy Gaps” was delivered by Ms. Shokina Kirubakaran.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the importance of creating safe digital environments within educational institutions and society.
The programme successfully combined awareness, advocacy, academic engagement, and artistic expression to address the critical issue of digital gender-based violence. The active participation of students and staff reflected the University of Jaffna’s commitment to gender equity, digital safety, and social responsibility.