Celebrating International Women’s Day in Colombo

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, members and partners of the Human and Natural Resources Development Foundation (HNRDF) travelled to Colombo to take part in the celebration of International Women’s Day at the Colombo Public Library. Women from different parts of the country gathered for a conference dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements while also reflecting on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

The journey itself already reflected the spirit of solidarity that characterizes this day. HNRDF staff, community members, and partner organizations travelled together by bus to Colombo, creating a sense of shared purpose and excitement for the event ahead.

At the conference, women from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate International Women’s Day and to connect with others who are actively working toward women’s rights and empowerment in Sri Lanka. The gathering created a space for

meaningful conversations, networking, and the exchange of ideas about how to continue strengthening the role of women in society.

Throughout the day, several speeches highlighted the importance of continuing the struggle for women’s rights. While progress has been made, speakers emphasized that many women still face barriers related to discrimination, unequal opportunities, and limited representation in decision-making spaces. These reflections served as a

reminder that International Women’s Day is not only a moment of celebration, but also a call to action.

For HNRDF, participating in this celebration reaffirmed the importance of working together with communities, partners, and civil society actors to advance women’s rights. The event provided an opportunity to recognize the strength, resilience, and

leadership of women across Sri Lanka while also strengthening networks that continue to advocate for change.

International Women’s Day reminds us that empowering women is essential for building stronger communities and a more just society. By celebrating together, sharing

experiences, and renewing commitments to equality, events like this contribute to the broader movement for women’s rights and social progress in Sri Lanka.

By Zizi Zwiers