கவனிக்க: இந்த மின்னூலைத் தனிப்பட்ட வாசிப்பு, உசாத்துணைத் தேவைகளுக்கு மட்டுமே பயன்படுத்தலாம். வேறு பயன்பாடுகளுக்கு ஆசிரியரின்/பதிப்புரிமையாளரின் அனுமதி பெறப்பட வேண்டும்.
இது கூகிள் எழுத்துணரியால் தானியக்கமாக உருவாக்கப்பட்ட கோப்பு. இந்த மின்னூல் மெய்ப்புப் பார்க்கப்படவில்லை.
இந்தப் படைப்பின் நூலகப் பக்கத்தினை பார்வையிட பின்வரும் இணைப்புக்குச் செல்லவும்: Pravahini 2002.07

Page 1
PRAV.
WERC NeW
WOLUME 10,
Peace - Wh
His tilities have ceased. We listen intently hoping we will not hear even the muffled sound of war drums, Instead the air resourids with a thousand, thousand sighs Of clief echoing froii) the furthest corners of the country,
Looking back we sce the devastation wrought by nearly 20 years of a bitter war. The human lives lost - killed, mained, broke - the land laid waste, its resources in shambles - thc spirits, the 'cry hearts and Illinds of the people hardcned and em bittered by hatred and fear, ministrust and suspicion.
The present is throbbing with cxpectation - cxpectations of Peace though on the far horizon. . . . . . Sceking to establish a lasting pcace, the Peace wi|| col
process in its in any varied forms has taken ovci as a part of daily life. d people Mcctings, talks, negotiations, and mo one ha agree II) cilts are i te Lins of tipical || in ignorant
interest everywhere, Leaders, 1
politicians, state officials, facilitators | Peace wi|| col
and activists are all involved in the learn to list
pursuit of peace. It is the immediate | about the rig
of people
1rld The cessary consequence of the
Anano
"ceasefire'. The people who b) Corc thc brulint Cof the war, the civil society arc _____ standing by on the periphery waiting, watching with a Txir aus Luncertain ty.
Yet this time notably a certain civic consciousness which has bc.cn charact cristically, lacking in our peoplc, is much in evidence. They are stepping forward to get involved and be participants in the peace process where they feel it bchoves then to take a contribution in some way. And thc civil society includes worn.cn who through the grin reality of war have suffered the worst of war horrors. They arc the other victims of war', yCI they ՀlTլ է als) the agents of pcace. They have been callpaigning fot pelice, participa ting in Fleetings år til de monstraltions, working with displaced womcn of all communitics. But it is the illen who arc predominant in the peace efforts, Women's voices arcyc to be hcard. Women's organizations have gathered together and have been insisting that they be participants in the peace process, Women's perspectives in this critical national endeavour need to be given duc recognition. While these major movcs,
Pravahini Vol. IQ. No. I July 2002

H1N1
No. 1
ere from ... ?
extremely complex and fraught with difficultics arc in progress, the people in whose behalf peace is being negotiated need to be the supporters of the proccss. The back up for such critical negotiations to succccd and survive must corne froll the people. Hence the peace process has provoked a multifaceted approach - one such
aspect of peace building devolving on the people,
But the peoplc arc still deeply divided by suspicion and fearin spite of the common desire for pcacc. It is a change in at titude that has to transform them. Ricconciliatory The We:S alre: esseT till between the North and the South. SLSSSSS LSSSSSSLSSSSSSLSSSSSSLSSSSSSLSSS Here is the opportunity for women to The when people engage in a forceful worlic) - centred
EE. drive to bring together the people of as the same the country, North and South, East is to live in fear and West. Their hearts and Illinds ce and shame. I need to be touched - a L: L III tri
| humanistic ideals pursucci. Women's The When people natural tendencies for sharing and caren and to care ing need to be exploited. hts and dignity everywhere. Movements from the south to the a Bradley north and vice versa are gaining SSSSSS SSSSS SSSS momentu IIn. The peace train, the pada ya tras, religious processions, the peace missions are a spontaneous outflow of the desire to see the bonding of 31 ma ticarı's Pock polic. Thec mc-cting of disabled scolcliers from the south with their counterparts of the North must thaw the Coldest human hcart, The Illecting of academ- Eðitorial ics can evolve new lines Men in Worlleh's Spaces of thinking Face to face encounters, personalised Incetings or groups or even crowds Tingling together Personality Developиеи with their counterparts can Uиifеии сиrreиts help greatly to diffusic ten- ArOHHið the Worlò sions, Reports indicatc an amazing amount of good
Geröer IF1 ter acts, .. Civilising others
Story of Suu Kyi
will on both sidcs. Canno International Соиfereисе
this fund of goodwill form IWD - Migrant Woffer the base of a very solid WOFF" Writing
fourtialLi is itsDւ:
ounciation to this aspect of FOH the Book shes peace building P -- -- - ܡܣ- ܨ

Page 2
Men in W
The question of exclusive women's spaces appears to hav run dry in conversations within the women's movemen Particularly in the Asia Pacific, but also in Africa, wome who identify with the women's movement, bot feminists and gender advocates, have insisted tha without bringing men into our dialogues and engage then in our discourses, we will not be able to advance th agenda of women's empowerment. This has been particularly strong assertion with the rise of gende analyses and concepts of gender mainstreaming withi both academic and development worlds.
Women's organisations, like Isis International-Manila, ar often asked why we do not employ men as part of ou regular staff, and why we describe our information an communications work as being in support of the women movement. It appears that maintaining a women-centri focus is not any longer pursued by some sectors of th women's movement. While our agenda stand on th foundation of the feminist and human rights frameworks we are very conscious of the fact that there are man women now engaged in different social movement wh are also fighting for gender equality and fundamenta social transformation. The women's movement itsell particularly that located in the South has begun to wor on issues of globalisation, the impact of structura adjustment policies in the South, and the specifi realities of nationalist and fundamentalist agendas in th South. We now see our role as also including th reaching out to other social actors, both women and mer and building bridges as it were, between the women movement and other social movements.
We believe that the question of autonomous women' spaces is still very much a debate that we should have While gender mainstreaming pushes for the inclusion o men as an effective strategy in pursuing the goal O empowerment, and there are indeed many more men nov working on programmes and work, we canno immediately conclude that maintaining physical and ideo logical spaces where only women engage is an outdate strategy. We do think that it is crucial that men becom engaged in women's issues, and many more men need t do this, but, as Patricia McFadden, one of our contributer to this issue argues, not to reassert old heterosexist an nationalistic claims of women and men being located an engaged in the same spaces. In this issue of Women i Action, there are several contributors who have share the ways in which they have sought to engage men i.
Ꮓ2
 

omen's Spaces
their programmes on reproductive rights and domestic violence with varying degrees of success. There is also an interview with an exceptional man, Paul Sinnapan, who has himself been radically transformed by gender analyses and now actively seeks to educate other men in the cooperative movement in Malaysia to confront sexism within their movement.
Clearly, there is a desire amongst feminists and gender advocates to get men involved in our struggles, and there are many ways in which this can happen. And there are clearly exceptional men out there, feminist in their thinking and demeanour, who have taken on the challenge that their women comrades have posed to them. These men have overcome the pressures of the roles placed upon them as a result of societal construction of men and women, while giving up some of the traditional privileges conferred to them through centuries of entrenched patriarchal dominance. However, we would argue that this is still the exception rather than the rule. In Our conversations with women from the region, we hear about how women have to fight a very personal struggle for democracy and justice within their homes and within the most intimate relationships. There are still too many men who pay lip service to women's empowerment and notions of gender justice, who have yet to make any fundamental shifts in their own behaviour within their families and within their workplace. Women working in development agencies that promote gender frameworks within the work of their partners of the ground can attest to the ways in which gender hierarchies are reproduced and reaffirmed in internal structures of these very agencies. This is why the work needs to happen at all levels.
With this rich harvest of passionate women's and men's writings, we hope that we will stir up sufficient debate on this issue, and start the conversation from another entry point. The task of gender mainstreaming is not over, surely, but clearly there are visible gains in this area, and worthy of a reflection on how far we have gotten, where we are heading, and what we might be gaining and/or losing as a result of this project.
courtesy: WomenIn Action No. 1, 2001-Editorial
(Women In Action covers a broad range of issues affecting women globally, but focusing on the particular needs and concerns of women in the Global South, and forwarding a progressive perspective tempered by the experiences of the thirld world women's movements.)
Pravahini Vol. 10. No. 1 July2002
*YA

Page 3
Gender Interacts and Intersects
India and Asia, it is said have great cultures and agrez civilisation. When did we have it as totally and wholly culture and civilized? Was there any time in history that this was truisr or has it always been something we speak of theoretically. Whe happened in Gujarat, in India in the recent past makes me rais the above questions. I raised the same question before, oncei 1983 and again in 1989 when the LTTE ethnically cleanse Jaffna of the Muslims. For me culture and civilisation shoul essentially relate to human beings.
There is mass killing all over among us. When w become ethnically or religiously tensed-we destroy people i the mostgruesome way, men and women and children. Her we are particularly concerned about the gender aspect of i Though killing of any human being amounts to the Sam horrific feeling ethnic cleansing gender belonging plays a majc gruesome role.
Ethnic or religious belonging is written politically o the site of female bodies. This happened throughout historie all over the world. Human beings commonly share this vice. I Gujarat recently we hear of murder and gang rapes of girl and women in the presence of their family members. This violence of a particular nature which has gender dimension relating to women's bodies and sexuality. This comes underth rubric of women's rights within human rights.
Occasionally religious identity is also written on man bodies. A Muslim was stripped to confirm his identity an then stabbed in the chest and abdomen - His wife a Hind was also stripped (for different reasons here) and stabbedo her “private parts' and she died instantly. Another Muslimbo a teacher was also stabbed to death - being punishment fo marrying a Hindu girl. Those two encounters are not chanc encounters but premeditated and sought after for a goo reason-marrying a Hindu girl.
Vishwa Hindu Prashad, we learnis very touchy abou Hindu girls marrying Muslim men - viewin the phone menon as conversions to the Muslim faith. But welcomed Hindu men marrying Muslim girls. Apart from th question of conversion there is also another deeply sensitiv reason, which is limited to the sexuality of women - th lineage markers and identity markers are carried on the ma line. The womb carrying women receives the Muslim man child and gives it an identity based on his male line. The Hind men of the community resents this and feels it as loss, as blemish on their cultural identity. Buton the contrary, if a Hind man marries a Muslim girl she gives birth to Hindu progenyb the reason of one male line determining the identity of th newly born. Gender impinges heavily as matters of ethnican religious identity and during riots and communal clashes bein a woman has its own vulnerably dangerous implications.
(The incidents reported here are taken from the Hindu of 1 April 2002)
Pravahini Vol. 10. No. 1 July 2002
 

e
Ls
S
1t
LC
le
2.
We extend our solidarity to the victims who are alive, both men and women who are victimised brutally by fellow human beings. We also condemn the killings and rape of women. We also extend our cooperation and concern to all those who are working against this type of barbarism.
When are we going to become cultured?
When are we going to be civilised?
The struggle has to go onl
Civilising others - the Mission continues
We have passed through a stage of our history where decolonisation took place formany nations and many peoples. World superpersons with their military might and presumed superiority of civilisation came down to many countries with a “cross and Sword” conqueringus, plundering our economic resources. But they felt subjectively that there is a civilizing mission in the process. We thought this phase was over, though glimpses of the ideologypersisted through other means such as economic domination, unfair trade deals. But what is shocking now is the statement made by Tony Blair's aide, Mr. Robert Cooper. A deciphering or a deconstructionist view of what he said amounts to a repetition of history. What exactly did he say?
“Defensive imperialism to deal with threats from undemocratic states'
"Well governed Western Nations can impose order and stability in the world"
"The need for colonisation is as great as it ever was in 19" Century"
This was stated in a pamphlet on “Reordering the world'- He emphasised the “need for colonisation and is in fact unhappy that there are “no colonial powers', willing to rise to the occasion.
Are we going back to an age of imperialism and empire building?
And what is the relevance of this to our agenda Gender. The discourse on gender relations emphasis, many things amongst which equality, non-hierarchy and non-oppressive social relations are the most important factors. As feminist, our agenda, extends to all types of oppression, whether it is national or those based on racism, class and caste.
We are certain that the feminists in the UK and those within the Labour Party will set right the agenda of the Labour Party which is headed by Tony Blair.

Page 4
Personality
The differences in the sexes go beyond biology. Two of th Tystinimportant differenccs that shape thic future childare sic ctal norms and Illaturity.
At birth the sex of the infant is a factor deciding how peopl Teact to thc baby. The social order associatics certain coloul with boys and other colours with girls. In time, the dress coil will be differentatcd. Later specific expectation-short hai for boys, long hair for the girls will increase, Parents prid themselves on favurable commcnts fra T1 society. They se how well be lys and girls behave accortliling to si cial explccta tions. The elated children repeat the applauded behaviouri ardcr Le , please peoplc around thern. Children do respond te praisc by repeating the decd, Getting praise for behaviouri accord with what people cxpect encourages children to pla the role appropriate to their scx. Parents cver sensitive to thi social order, categorise the children's activitics as Tasculine an fcminine.
Research findirigs indicate that girls are morc rature thar b« lys of gqual age, Thrce year old girls urbutton thci. clothcs casier than three year old boys. Even girls of five year: have the capacity to control their posture to sit still fo storics, whercas boys of similar age do not have that kind ol control.
Awarding certificates to a participant after the Law students Workshop held at WERC.
Group Discussion at a workshop
 
 

Development
It is important to clarify the individual differences. The most important fact about a child is not the age nor the stage she is in nor any other grouping that she falls into (or that describs her) but the fact that she is herself, a unique personality.
Child psychologists confirin that differences fron individual to individual are much II orc important and larger in comp arison to the differences bcween thc sexes. The child will solve many a developmental problem, each in its own way and at its own speed. Thus the child develops as an individual at her own rate of progress.
Along the child's path, a major factor that contributies to het success will be the confidence that adults give. Appreciating a child for herself, Inakeshcrappreciate herself, thus making her appreciate others as individuals. As adults, we should help then rounderstand the differences and to accept them, Differences are recognised but evaluative comparisons are not inade.
Most cultures curb and restrict the progressive thinking of a girl child so that, she cannot develop as an individual, but is taught to be dependent. Changes in thinking must start frt in childhood. A confident personality is what is important in making an asscrtive pcrson, lt will Imake hicr a wlu CollesJ11e personable to stand on her own.
By v. Des.
At the Strategic planing workshop held for the WERC staff and Board,
Workshop on Gender sensitisation at Trincomalice
Pra sahini kal, 10, No. I July 2002

Page 5
From UN
The Executive Director (UNIFEM) outlined four ke priorities for Afghan women, which include:
o Security: Special protection should be provided t women in camps for refugees and displaced people an during the repatriation process. A professional polic force should be trained and equipped to addres women's special security needs. o Gender justice: An independent judiciary based on th rule of law must protect women's rights. Violations ( women's rights must be monitored, reported an remedied. o Governance: Afghan women need ownership an representation in the reconstruction process. The tw women in the Interim Administration and the Ministries need political and financial support. o Women's economic security: UN programmes an NGOs providing credit, economic opportunities, skil and employment must respond to the needs C particularly vulnerable women and link them to privat sector opportunities. The long-term goal of UNIFEM's work is to realize a human rights for Afghan women as enshrined in the 197 Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimin tion against Women (CEDAW).
VOMEN PARTICIPATE IN ALBANAN ZEAPON COLLECTION PROGRAMME
UNIFEM's campaign to build awareness of women and yout about voluntary weapons collection in Elbasan and Dibc resulted in increased roles for women in weapons collectio and a significant increase in the number of weapon surrendered in project areas. The campaign was part of UNDP "Weapons in Exchange for Development” (WED) programm in Albania.
UNIFEM surveys showed that women are essential i convincing their family-members to hand in weapons as a cor dition for a better life, both economically and socially. Throug the WED programme, around 7,000 weapons and 300 ton of ammunition have been collected in project areas. Police clair large quantities of weapons still remain in civilian hands, reprc senting a clear and present danger to women, children an communities as a whole. Partnerships between women's org. nizations and police were increased through the campaign.
GROUP ON WOMENS RIGHTS LAUNCHED I) CHINA
In China, government representatives formed the “Nation: Coordinating Group on the Protection of the Rights of Wome and Children,” with fourteen government ministries an leading political parties as members. The establishment of th National Coordinating Group is a result of two years o public campaigns from women's and civil society groups. Th Group was launched last November at an inaugural worksho for UNIFEM's Trust Fund supported project “Women an
Pravahini Vol. 10. No. 1 July 2002

EM Currents
ls f
l
S.
s
V
Men Working together for the Elimination of Domestic Violence against Women in selected Provinces of China.”
The establishment of the National Coordinating Group has enabled the Trust Fund project to garner political and institutional support in the four pilot provinces of Jiangxi, Shannxi, Liaoning and Hubei. The National Coordinating Group provincial representatives include women leaders with the regional Women's Federations, local heads of police forces, people's courts and concerned local government officials.
TRAVELING SEMINAR FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN INDIA
In India, UNIFEM and the NGO AAKAR organized a "traveling seminar’ on gender, masculinity and violence against women. The seminar targets young men and women in six universities throughout the country and seeks to explore issues of sexuality and masculinity in relation to the increase in violence against women, as well as HIV/AIDS and population control policies. The traveling seminar has already visited universities in Baroda and Trivandrum and is currently at universities in Delhi.
SIXTEEN WOMEN ELECTED TO BURUNDI NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Sixteen women were elected to Burundi's Transitional Assembly last month. The elected women were candidates from 14 political parties and members of civil society. The elections come after intense years of lobbying by the women of Burundi, supported by UNIFEM and other partners, for the inclusion of women in decision-making and their participation in the
Burundi peace process. In July 2000, UNIFEM's briefing to
Burundi's 19 negotiating parties made possible the first All Party Burundi Women's Peace Conference. As a result of the Peace Conference, twenty-three of the women's recommendations to protect and promote women's rights were included in the final peace accord.
PROTECTING RIGHTS OF MIGRANT WOMEN WORKERS IN JORDAN
UNIFEM is supporting efforts in Jordan to modify the Labour Law to be used as a crucial tool for protecting the rights of migrant women workers. In an effort to ensure that the rights of migrant women are recognized and valued, UNIFEM met with a delegation from Sri Lanka last month to discuss ways to protect the legal, economic, and social rights of women throughout the migration cycle. UNIFEM's programme to empower migrant workers in Jordan began in August 2001 and its objectives are to improve women migrant workers' situation through changes in legislation and policics, promotion of migrant's rights, improvement of services and dialogue between sending and receiving countries.

Page 6
Located in London's East End, Britain's new women's library
houses a core collection of more than 60,000 books and records recounting the rich history of women's achievements. The Director, Antonia Byatt says - “This is an extraordinary collection.
Not only does it track the story of women's campaign for equality with men, but it is a unique source of social history about daily life.” Previously known as Fawcett Library which grew out of the London Society for Women's Suffrage founded in 1867, it was at one time located in a pub.
Byatt goes on to say, “We might not have the same sort of battle on our hands like the suffragettes, but there are things for men and women to talk about... their roles in society. We want to relate the library to what's going on today. You can't isolate it from what is going on in the world.”
Rosie Boycott, the Editor of the feminist magazine "Spare Rib' launched in 1972, the first copy of which is on display, remembers that at that time a woman could not apply for a mortgage without the permission of her father or husband.
The new library hopes to become a cultural and feminist landmark in London.
Socialist Prime Minister, Lionel Gospin was elected in 1997 and gave top priority to giving women their rightful place. His cabinets included several women ministers.
The "parity” bill passed in parliament in 2000 sought to increase the number of women taking to politics and parties obliging were to have equal number of males and females on their electoral list. Following on this, the Municipal Elections of 2001 saw an increase of women councillors from 23% to 48%.
However, France has only 10.9% women in parliament, which places her in the embarrassing world position as 52nd. The election due in June, 2002 was originally expected to yield a large increase in women representatives in The National Assembly as a direct result of the "parity' law. It is interesting to note that under the “parity law, which claims a global first,
 
 
 
 

a party that presented an electoral list with no women would lose their claim for government financial subsidy while the ideal position would be a list with equal numbers of male and female names. A discrepancy would mean a proportionate loss of subsidy. However, the final number of “winners” does not come into consideration.
Hard on the heels of these encouraging assumptions comes news that the male bastion of French politics is still going to be difficult to breakdown. It is reported that mainstream political parties have not changed their attitude to women and have not included the 50% women in their electoral listing in spite of the threat of government sanctions. It is more realistic, accordingly to expect not more than 20% of the 577 seats in the National Assembly to be taken by women.
Mainstream parties have ignored the parity law under which the parliamentary elections are being held for the first time. Nevertheless, an optimistic note is sounded by those who believe that the large numbers of women involved in local politics since 2001 have produced experienced women who would find their way into the National Assembly. It would indeed be interesting to see if, in the final count, men will accept the rightful place of women.
Marseilles
The "Averroes Conference' was collated in 1994 and is organised by Marseilles' Culture Office. It hosts historians, philosophers, sociologists, film makers, artists and writers brought together from one shore to the other of the Mediterranean for two days, and aims to “contribute to building bridges between the two shores”. Named after Averroes alias Ibu Rushd (1126-1198), the conference is open to everybody and has now become an important time of exchange to gain a better understanding between the Eastern and Western shores. A "specific theme of reflection” is chosen each year. The purpose being to make knowledge accessible beyond the intellectual circles, which it is reported leads to "fascinating discussions and personal testimonies'.
The last Conference held on November, 23 & 24", 2001 had as its theme - "Women in the City'. They were tackling the subject from three angles.
“The first will deal with women's relations to liberty, the second with their position in the face of violence and the third with their role in artistic creation'.
Although Mediterranean women had been left out of affairs concerning the city, the women are now faced with access to public areas which needed o be "questioned, compared and revealed”. Films too will be given a special place with discussions following film shows.
Pravahini Vol. 10. No. 1 July2002

Page 7
The Story of Suu Kyi
Where it began:
In Myan Illar (Burna), Ne Win, now over 90ycars old, fought sicle by side with Aung San Suu Kyi's fatheoir) to gain indepcndcncc (from the British) for their country and allied themselves with Japan to fight the British in World War II. Aung San was assassinated in 1947 while Ne Win subsequently occupied at key position in the politics and Imilitary of the country, Ne Win seized power in 1962 and set himself up as a dictat it and head of the Tilitary Protests against this military dictatorship broke out, but were suppressed with Illuch bloodshed. In March 2002, he was placed
under lusc lirrest.
SLI Li Kyi was just a child when h cI father was a 5.5 assinated. She spent list of her life it broad and rcturned hic omne only in 1988 to look after hcir ailing mothcr.
But as the protes Is against Ne Win’s military junta escala Lcd and the country was seeing bloodshed, Suu Kyi immediately joined the pro-de III Ucratic Party, the NLD, s C. Un bicicorning is figuric-hcad as lica der of the Opposition. In 1989, she was placed under house arrest by the Inilitary junta for six years. In 1990, her National league for Denocracy won a landslide victory in the elections. However, the military junta refused to hand over power to the NLD, and continued to harass her. In 1991, she was awardcod the Nobel Peace prizc as the world rcCOgnised her efforts to winderTocracy for MyanrTlar. She was freed in 1995, but subjected to several restrictions and finally placcil under house arrest in September 2000,
However, she could not be silenced as she carried on her Campaign and the military had no alternative but to talk to her as international sanctions laid on Myanmar brought the country's ceonomy to shambles, Secretive talks through IIlany months finally led to her freedom in May 2002. The international CoIIII unity which had laid 0HOtCLCHmL KLL LLL LLL LLL LLLL LLLLLLL LlL HHLLlLlLlLLLLLlHHL release for Suu Kyi. She is reported to have said that therc are no restrictions on her movements and the interiational community views the release as a very positive first step. The world now awaits the military junta's moves toward genuine political reforms.
Suu Kyi at 56, has the world behind her in her effort to bring democracy to her country - Myanmar.
Pr(T vahir i Wol. 10. No, I July 2002
 
 
 
 

ENT ER NA FIGNAL. CONFERENCE
The International Centre for Ethnic Studics (Colombo) recently organised an International Conference on Women, Peace building and Constitution Thaking,
Participants nu mlı ering one hundred and thirty five from twenty five countries converged to share th cir experiences and exchange h cir ideas on topics of current interest to women and on behalf of
'A') III,
Conclusions centred on justice for women who invariably become victims of war and the undisputed role that women could play in peace making. It was a show of conscnsus among the participants from different parts of the world.
WERC was represented by the Executive Director, Dr, Selvy. Thiruchandran at this conference.
Maria Vasquez of Columbia
One of thic participants at this International Conference on Womcn, Peace building and Constitution making, organised by ICES was Maria Wasquez of Columbia.
A 40 year long conflict has Inade Columbia a war torn country, and Maria had been a member of an Lrban gucrilla group having got involved in it als a university student along with the youth of that time who hoped to achieve radical political and social changes in the country. She had been a ncInbcr for 17 years and had been jailed for
ΠΠΕ: ycars,
However, she left the movement of her own accord and went back to university.
She wrote a book on her cxpcricn ccs as a militant and won a Columbian government award il 1998.
Maria is now a human rights activist, along with other ex combatants, making a completic change in thcir attitude. They had decided to Ict the public know that they were convinced that only dialogue and peace negotiations would solve the long drawn out conflict in Columbia,

Page 8
International Women's Day Programme Migrant Women Workers
The problems of migrant women workers, Inost of whom are employed in the West Asian countries, have bc.cil a perennially sore subject of discussion. Since the opcil cconomy of 1977, Sri Lankan women started leaving their hurleland in search of jobs mainly for economic reasons. Though they went with great expectations lured by attractive foreign earnings and dreams of providing a better living for the family at home, a large majority was disappointed. Their stories of harassment, non payment of salaries, inhuman treatment and the culture shock they suffered froll, have flooded our newspapers,
A workshop on this subject organized by WERC invited three migrant women to talk of their expericnccs. Thcii testimonies were a series of experiences, which bore confirmation of the of Tepcated comIInon complaint: which migrant female returnces have expressed,
Flaving heard their personal experiences which led to: much discussion, th: consensus was that there was after all these years a great deal Ilore that the State and ther organizations could yet do for thcsc women who bring in the highest foreign exchange into the country.
At the conclusion, of the workshop the participants urged thc government of Sri Lanka as well as NGOs to intervene with effective urgent action in the following areas of concern to thcm.
Try institute Ilew research tu cover Ilut just the Middle Eastern migrants but also women workers who migrate to Western Europe and the Asia Pacific region. They are a particularly meglected llici invisible category in the Cxisting body of literature on migrant women in general. Migrant women workcris irl Westcrin Europcan countrics face racism. and Tacial discrimirtieri, which efter Tilanifest i Ti vir lernt for Tis, The need is neut just filling the gap ir research but highlighting the specific forms of violence against them, their condition f vulnerability and disadvantage due mainly to cultural clifference. Their voice also rheerls to be he:arrl arg accounted for,
v. T. Put IT end to the grUss gender Profiling and differential treatinent in eted out to especially to: Iligrant worllen at the airport, Such profiling bureaucratised and institutionalised by state practice and rationaliscid by society constitutes inverse discrillination against wornel by Initrking thcII as a separatic category of people requiring special attention. It further reinforces patriarchal domination and conversely female subordination,

e To Call for a Ltitudinal and ideological change con the part of Sri Lanka community in general and the Women's movenent in particular on perceptions of migrant women, Stereotypical and sexist norms of migrant womanhood and negative representations meetl to be challengcd and resisted. Women necd to be educated on the pioneering role migrant women play in the country's econolly and the need for greater sensitivity and respcct for their dignity and integrity.
di For the state to take cffcctive reineclial measures to cirnbat sexual cnslavement and exploitation of Imigrant worlen in the Middle East at the hands of Sri Lankan authoritics in diplomatic i missic ons who under the guise of “safe houses' subject women to Illultiple forms of victimisation. These "safe houses' have emerged as centers for a thriving sex tradic. They have becomic potential sites if extreme violence against women. Worlhen have been at the receiving end of abusive officials who enjoy the power to manipulate degrading situations of womcil and turn the II into profit and advantage. This triangle between the police in the receiving country, forcign employers and the Sri Lankan mission is it highly organised global network of modern trafficking and slavery. Failure con the part of the Sri Larıkarı state to fulfil ILO commitments in protecting its citizens cmployed overseas who bring in the highest foreign exchange will ime in complicity and collaboration with organised international networks of trafficking,
* To in Corporate AIDS 1wareness and sex education component in the training program for migrant worllen in view of the increasing nurnber of HIW infected women among migrant population. However, we feel that society at large needs to be responsive, responsible and sensitive to the pressing CITYCerris of AIDS affected migrant wormen and mot react with stiglia and ostricisation.
SJI the participants at the International Women's Day Workshop listening to migrant workers experience.
Pravahiri i Vol. 10, No. 1 July2002

Page 9
TMVa7ya.o2 /a.
Women's writing in Sri Lanka was undertaken as major rescarch study by WERC.
It was designed on a three phase base – Writings o wollen in Sri Linki in pre colonial, colonial in post colonial periods. It was further diversifical into English, Siri halil And Tamil writings. Thc rcs carch cincompassing cKitcnsive arcas and indepth probe sprcad ihrough four y cairs and has yieldcd fi v publications in English, Sinhala and Tamil.
TwFU I11 ore books are di Le for publicatico1 ) shortly.
Egr-Coolia Pero
Writing an Inheritance: Women's Writing in Sr Linki – 1860-1948 Vol. I.
Edited by Neloufer de Mel and Writing in Inheritance
ang imp na
Mimoli San Inarakkody,
WI1 Anthology - a collection I 11; de for the first tille (jf. syne: of the cat liest writings in English
by wouncil in Sri Lanka. From travelers folklore Its ாடிே ghost storics, historical fiction and social satire the varying
thernes reflect the colonial society.
LLLLLL LLLLLLLLS LLLLLLLLS LLLL LL LLL LHHLLLLLLL LLLLGLLLLL Bclla. Woolf, Constance Cummings, Carolyn Corne giving their impressions of Colonial Ceylon, along witl circa Live writings of Jessic Alicc (Go onc tillickic |line Goonetilcke, Rosalind Mendis, Mabel Fernand anci ra Trimmct.
Port Colorial Period. Celebrating Women's English Writing in Sri Lanka. 1948-2OOO. W. II.
By Yahısıinıc (Goorlcratrıc
CERATINGAR LAhish WOKTUR. ENGLEHYRT The author has researched
al III, documen cd fiction alınd poetry published in English by worncil living in thc Island and (autside fr in 1948-3(IOC). The author has s Luccc cdcd in including about sic vcnty fivc
"TITLIS
Pra vahir i Vol. II (), Na, July 2002
 
 

A. TMVfzzÉzuay
.. Toợi" - Prẻ Coặyựa' forời": 为 FlyNNE (prehirled in Ergirl) SPLECH
RANS, SNS Feminine Speech Transmis-, m
sions: An Exploration
into Lullabies and Dirges
af Wolle 1.
By Selvy. Thiruchandfan.
This book is a study of the тетне. rich verbal arts of lullabies and dirges found in Sri Länkis folklore: If the North. Tlinc mil cirill fyr this:
research was collected frt II what is it wailable: from publications, but it reillains an oral tradition ha 1 dcd down the generations as ut in writt en litcra turc.
Colonia' Period: (juillislied in Englisel) Subjectivities and Historicis In
By Sclvy. Thiruchandran. الأعلمكونة مدهشة لمدينة
ir
This publication comprises Ta IIlil writings of the colonial
period, where collecting source * imaterial was a pains taking 鷗 search through II na Ily librarics i both in Sri Lanka and Chennai, India, lind includes much information from personal li discussions.
Sira hala - Pre-colonia 1 periodo
uTkTL eesOssse es sMessss LLLLLLLHGLLSL GGLLLLaLLtttLL LGG Sinhalai Literature! A nuradhapura to Mahanuwara Period)
By Armanda Tissakurıılara.
"This briqək is ili collection of writings and also un written litcrature of this period. Thc author has given his analysis and interpretation of the materials contained in the various chaptcrs such as Sigiri G cc, Gajımın Nico na and Lullabies.
(Publicatic In due in Septeruber 2002.)

Page 10
Volunteer – Daniela
The third volunteer to join WERC in receit years was 1)anic Kaschic from Gerlany, Shc was sponsored by the Centre fi Education and Networking in Non-Vielerit Action in Kurv Winstrow, Germany, Daniela spent a period of six months will WERC. Young Lnd rather apprehensive, she came two yQ"a after high school and found hers clf in a rather hewilderic i: inliyi IIIIlliger,ır.
ffrwcvcit, very strin she was Unic with us, Ldapting hersc incautifully Lt WERC. Daniela was Luch intercsical in t objectives and prograirlines (if the organisation. She was ker to understanct various gender issues as scen in a third worl Country. She initiated contacts with wouncil's organisations wit similar interests in Germany,
Having developed a very sensitive understanding of women issues, Danicla went back to her university studies pronouncin that what she learnt at WERC would influence her future. W. wish lic well.
Hr. Lr aiclo impress Luns:
"I år fore fi 8 7 li réir i'r Cyfføder 2002 Y faget fi, * argi i. ilir, raspare it with your fire which is faufa'y different and to dare the experTerre oy hội" ilirse is ir i'r Iainkai, This differird diwr7rg a fix pyytiitli glir arferry Merryer af die TLGLLkLLL LTTTTTCL SLLL LLLSkLkLGS LSTTLGGSLSLLLLLLGGGLLLLSS L GGGLLLLL ! #oự ##.
*iffer Igor Grow firroristirao riboré, I began fog? More the Cat-if" and irr people. Now I kron the wearing of word, like Pasier-Črt, Trydai; Karer, Kiri haith erfa’ya day. -- "ey importarif experience for the war, that Iris a ñirrigy.Irr". G LLGkGGGGLLL TLLLS LLLLL GLLLLLLL LLCCGCLL L LLG LGLLL GLLLLLLS LLL CCS LTG LLLLLLLLk kkGGLL kkLLkL T kTkrT LLLLLL LLLL LLLHH LLL CCS LLS o lado prgiere grino y re. Ti y a lar Εγγπεης strifiser forre fire fra Ir bester and lang syggy har I Sall wake Tri yriendr ind gain ren experierrer, No, 1 Hirrindarritart:? foote irration gogorragoierriro orgy otry country.
her Jersed in the qırğa Arif;çirici öğı, II Henries? Heç biley ify the Mirary. Tharf Jer the perfect yorianity to wrote LLLLGLLGLG GGLLL SLLLL LLAALLLTS LTCSGLSS LLLLSLS GLGGLLL LLLS LTLkO GGGLTA GLLLL LLL LLL LLLLLL TTTTkLkTT S SLLS LLLLL CCH CLGS S TTkmLLS TGTkGLGL LL LLL LLLLLLLLkkH HLLLLLS LL LLLLLL CCLLLS issfir at the library tra.
I rar one of the finity of PERC. Faith weregladiri απει γιαfirηκε "Γει γιοί τη Γη οικι ry jiestian J. - IFERC berF fra for grooperation and fra f7fyrir "wog" ir "herr Isr:,
Izvor I offered to get in to Rio Nith Gerwar organizations o find_finder. ! retired that it hard or& rolini people. Tha are riling to and the Jork that i dane by Wower orgariation., NoI, dire the Boyer in LJLLL BkSTLGGGGGLLLLL S LLLkLLL LALLS LLLL LLLLLGLLLLLLL réha ! refi re.r r r hgʻ»w, //i gʻ y „f ho IZ" riw&“h we) ?; p"ar fi a *7

f
i ryri yrrwr â'r werini' ry I'll ry'r mae'r r:.
Il foi rreti Fr. JYP cristir ni Fyret ing r r ' l!? Ll: R.O., ar gyd griego krai. Flgr ribs' the riitio II 8y *Y wiwr; yr yr 7 :. : l'Eurord foyer le Η ανή είναι: II
fewin is i File:It'. Beig elt IFER (... I rankl je, hoIP vigy 13 (?ye in diffetti, tkLELL LL LLLLL LGLLLLLLLS LLL LLLLGGGGG L00LLGLLL LLLS LLLLLL LSrrkLLLLS CLLLLTLLLkL kktT LLTTLLS LLLGL LLGGMkLT LL LLL yyjiirre.
Volunteer Intern
Young, chccrful Indu Inathie Senade era loincid WERC as a Volunteer Intern, sponsored by the Centre for Study of Human Rights under their internship ProgräIIIIInc.
Indunnathi spent four months at WERC and during this period was assigned duties as a temporary Ilicillher of the Library staff. She involved hersclf in various aspects of library work and proved to be very helpful. She made use of thc opportunities available to gain experience by helping in workshops and other activities organised by WERC.
A graduate in Law, Indumathi is just venturing out into her chosen field, and we wish her well for the fu turc.
Triennial Congress of the International Alliance of Women in Colombo
The International Alliancc of Weinen (IAW) is mccting in Sri Lanka for the first time. The 32" Triennial Congress of the International Alliance of Women is being host cd by the Sri Lanka Worlicn's Congress (its affiliate) in Colombo in September 2O3,
Themic if the conference is "Now fronticts for a New Age."
The Congress will he attended by Torc than 8) delegales from USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia and Affiliates (if the Sri Lanki Women's Congress. Most of thic delegates arc women leaders in their countrics,
Prgvísifir 'II. 1). We. I Jrry?'''

Page 11
Sunday, February 24", saw WERC staff assembled 1utside our Office PrgrTiscs to Lake Jff On a trip 1) Kandy, We piled into the Waiting van choosing comfortable seats, N. midst the cxchange of chatter, laughter and gencial good spirits, in terspersed with a go cykl supply cof delicalcics, we sped on leaving the hustle and bustle of Colonbu,
By early aftern. 1 in, wc cachctl Hotel Wistas situat cel Cult sicc Kandy town ( » n a hill tip canlınırlanding a Panora Tinic wie w of hills an til valleys and the black ribbon of a road winding in and out. In the evening, we enjoyed a walk through the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and later drove through the University Carpus. Reaching Upper la Intane, we spent somic imc: Con thic hill sides taking photographs, admiring the scenic beauty and even visiting the kovil. Returning IC the hotel, the van carme drywir effortlessly as froIII habit, while in the suspended gloon the city treIIbled with light. Back in the hotel, aftcra sumpt Lious dinner, wc sa I ou I on the rocky hillside cnicoying the surrounding scene by night while cool breezes fanned us lightly.
Next day, we circo ve in to Kandy Town, and Wandered about in groups visi ting the Dalada Maligawa, St. Paul's Church, the Muscu II, Risia, the Maligawa lusker preserved in its glass case and Ti Liricit: d q III the city withi : shopping spree.
Two days of Iclaxation and cnjoyillent, far reillowed from our routing of projects, workshops and Sciurin:urs, rocially" gave Luis a Timuch nicc dcd brcak.
Talks to WTERC,
Staff at the Orchid House of the Royal Botanical Giurden, Peradeniya.
T
Prrythfruf Vo. 10. No. 1 Jrry 2002
 

From the Books helf......... NEW ADDITIONS,
CHE SINGER AND THE SONG, by C.S. Lakshmi, Vol 1, New Delhi, Kali for Written 2 is is 383pp.
"hc Singer and the Song is the first if C.S. Lakshi's three vrilures LL LLLLLLLlLLLLLLL HLaLLCHCCHaH HLLL 0LtaBLLLl HEEaaaaLLaL LL LLL LLLL L LLLLLS Lltt LLLLLL LLLLL LCLLLLLLLLK ttL TLLTLLLLLLL alLLL C LLL GLLL LLL LLLLLS aLL ELLkLt ttLLL LLLLLLLaaLaaLLTS OLLa HLHLLLLLlllLS KHH LLLLLLL LLLlLLLLLLLLaS CeL i 1 il constantly changing 11 Lusic::Ll. c. Il y'i ganri:18:11, fror 11 rhit; llys
if the devastasis and tawaifs, to contemporary linics:
WOMEN AND THE NATION'S NARRATIVE: Gender and Nationalisin in Twentieth Century Sri Lanka, by Nclourer de fel, New Delhi, Kali for Women 2001 293pp. Thi5 b1C brik e:XThlo"rr"5 Thc: de:WclopE11cIıt _fn:ıLjor1:ılisII1 im Sri L:Lnka duIrng the past century, particularly within the domina ni Sinhala Pilihis! LLLLLL LLLLtttL LLL LLLLGLLLLLLLS LLLLL LLLLLL HLLLLH LHLLLLLLL LLL LLLS 'L'Ise backgrounds have engaged with nationalism the author rg1: LL KSlSLLLLL LL LLLLL LL LLL LLLLLLLlLLLa LLL LLLLLtLLLLLLL LLLLLLa LLLLLLaS
"Ti.
SHADOWLIVES; Writings on Widowhood, by Uma Charkravarri Inkl Preeti Gill. New Delhi, Kali ft Wootmici, 2))1 48.
LOL ELLLLLLLLS LLLLLL LL LLL LLL LLL LLLLLLLLDS GLlLLLl uu LLa lark half of we trianhird in tradition, thic structural counterpart f her &rarlıgal: CT the a Lušpici ius II11 Tricii woman, and το provide ar. rchive in widowh od, dating back to the 5th Lentury B.C. fra 111 anskrit texts 1ric Cither HELiniert5 in many languages published in h: 19" and 2Ith ceritics,
ICTIMS, PER PETRATORS OR ACTORSP, Gender, armed conflict and Palitical Wiolence, edited by Caroling (). N. Moses id F.II: C. Clark. New Delhi, Kali for Women, 2001 243pp, This bıq artık, Pir"?","indç55 il hıcalistic zırızılysis ( if the ge:Lidered tılır. Lire (if the irred can flict arid Pilitical violence and 1 broader understanding of LLL aLLaLLySlLttaaaaaS LLLLL LLL LGGLLLLLLL LLLLLLLlLl LLLHLHHLLLLHHH LHLHGLGGLLLLLLL LLLLLL ncil du Ting Such circLII:15 tances.
WOMEN IN POST INDEPENDENCESRI LANKA, edited by
warna Jayawezera. Colle Imbri, ÇIFENWYR, 23102 371 pp, his "colume discu88 es the impact on women of the sincial, political IIId ecJILLOITric levelo p III crits which have occurred luring the Liine Sri arka achieveld political imdepUıderice iı 1948. The brçok civers a irrad Targe f sphere 5 where women have been affected, including :ducation, health, the ccord IIly, cmployment, governance, law, human rights, as well as family and criminuniry life. The hik CICLIšl:8 con the pH ist independence era in Sri Lanka, between the year
- 1JJ.
JNRAVELLING HERSTORIES; A Three Generational Study Jy Käimalimi Wijayatilake. Ilirimbra, (ENW", OR, 21 HO1; 17, III. The Luthor reviews will en's roles, responsibilitics, and status from LLLLLLtttLtgS aLTLL LLLLLLLlLLLLLLL LL LLLLLtLLLLS LLLLLLM LHHL LLLLLLLLS LLLLLL LLLLaaLamLaL LLLLLLLLStu CCLLLLL LuLLL t LLLL LLLLLL SLLL LLLLtHtL Tractices, Th: bÇiçek narrateş rhç: privite lives of Wörıcı Within the ramework of the family and constitutes an important record for the
Iminist histriry.

Page 12
FareWell
Pushpa Wickramaarachchi resigned at the end of 2001 : WERC. Pushpa made a valuable contribution to W publications and accounts, Friendly and helpful, she w. outspoken manner. She has joined the World University 1)evelopment procct which has taken her out to Hanball in her new sphere of work.
Young, energetic Wigitha Renganathan was at WERC period. Her service was marked by her methodical work and her charming smile. She has joincid the Centre for Research Office. Our goodwishes go out to her.
WERC. Furnished Terrace Apartment
An elegantly furnished self containctl apartinent is available of of one to six months. Located in a quiet residential neighb library facilitics available at ground floor level, the apartmen toilet, sitting cum dining pantry area with cooking facilities: overlooking picturesque surroundings, It has a separate entranc the entire 750 sqft floor area is fully tiled.
It is vacant from October 2002 for visiting expatriate schol personnel and thclike. Inquire fron.
WERC Administrative Officer - 5952)6 , 59682ó
For your
G. Seminars, C. Workshops, (c) Awareness Prog
G) Film shows, Meetings etc.
The WERC Auditorium offers you the following facilities -
Fullyair conditicamed Public Address System complete with Microphonics and Ear Overhead Prjectors
Translating Unit
TW and WCR Facilitics
Magi and Flip Chart Boards
Recording facility
A scating capacity of 50 available with conference tables
spacious dining area to accommodate the same
Meal, Ted sould be ripplied on regreer
Women's Education
58, Dharma
Color:Inbo só. Tel 595296,
E-mail wome
W

frcr 10 years spent at
- | For your пехr. ERC in the area of Research, Article, Book, Speech is appreciated for her Resources
Service, Gender and || Books and Information tarı 1 tota, We wish hcr wcll * Gerlder * Chill & Youth
& Politics X- Merlil 8 Religion * Sociology 2nly for a very short * Women's Studics
stylc, her enthusiasm Poverly Analysis as a For quick reference. "
Dictionaries/Encyclopedias Research Reports
— Thesis W Directorics
Special collection on Women's
Writing in Sri Lanki lease for short periods g in DT1 Lankal
ourhood with our own │ comprises abcdroom, ind an open air terrace, cgiving total privacy and
Doc FrP er fi fior7 News clipping (on violencic, suicidcs human rights FTZ, Women, Trafficking in women, migrant workers
Docurren red Journal Articles
ars, rcscarchers, N(G) || freorum EPW Feminis II) in Titl Psychol
ogy, Rethinking History, Hinal, Gender and Society, Monthly Review etc.
NA Audio Visuals: documentatics and U Features and Feature films on women issues, human rights, ethnicity ctc. a litics, (c) We have facilitics for Reading &
rcfcrclcic work før mori memillbcrs c) Information through telephone
Hr fıx;',
o Computerised database for your Phill's rc5carch
C Inter Library Loan facilitics 0 Photocopying at cost © Computer printout of rcading
list Loan membership
(c) Reference/rcferral services. and an airy and
-umhurני
- - & Research Centre rana Road,
Sri Lanka. - FIX 59წ. 313 drcCasltinct.lk
Prayahirti Vol. It). No. 1 July2002