Page 1
Newsletter of Women's Education a
Volume 14 - Issue 2
Feminist S
The diverse natures of feminism and feminist
scholarship have been gradually accepted into the academic, political and Social arenas. Feminists have indulged in a variety of methods, experiences, approaches and strategies. In the United States and parts of Europe, 'feminism' grew out of the women's movements of the 1960's, and
before that the civil rights and suffrage movements of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In fact, the most distinguishing feature of feminist scholarly work has been its overtly political
nature. This Commitment of the various feminisms
to material and Social change has played an important part in deconstructing traditional boundaries between the personal and political. Today, feminist theory is characterized by its interdisciplinarity - its examination of all Subjects Such as literature, history, philosophy, psychology, anthropology and Sociology (which were formally perceived as being male-Centric), as well as maintaining a foothold in the political and
Social. 'Gender' as an academic and social factor
has become a popular field of Study at Universities in the United States, Europe and in Asia, and it has also emerged as an important topic in the non-academic sector-within governmental and non-governmental
Organizations, big and Small.
 

nd Research Centre
December 2006 WERC
cholarship
While originating as a field of study - variously called women/gender studies - governed primarily by white, middle-class women of North America and Western Europe, 'feminism' and the question of gender has grown in diversity and SCOpe, permeating the academic, political and Social have entered all parts of the world. Despite the fact that a great deal of progress has been made, this rapidly evolving world poses on-going challenges to gender-equality and awareness. The many obstacles and challenges can in turn only be faced by Constantly Strategising and opening up new
methodologies.
Sources. Feminisms, ed. Sandra Kemp and Judith Squires, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Feminism and Postmodernism, ed. Linda J. Nicholson, London: Routledge, 1990.
NSIDE...
Gender and the Law
Sati: lagalorilegal Practice
Sri Lankan Migrant Women Muslim Women and the Veils
O
D
Forms of Violence Against Women Activities At WERC .
Ms. Bernadeen Silva
క్టీ
f

Page 2
Newsletter of WERC - Volume . 14, Issue 2
PAKISTAN OPPOSITION TO SHARIAH RAPE LAWS
Under an Islamic law imposed by General Ziaul Had of Pakistan in 1979, women must produce four adult Muslim male witnesses to prove an act of rape. Women who fail to prove rape can be jailed or even sentenced to death for adultery.
Women activist groups have been fighting the Hudood Ordinances in place in Pakistan and the government had finally decided to change this law after 27 years, however, despite these attempts at reform, the ruling party in Islamabad has caved in under pressure from the Conservative parties to delay any Such reform.
President Musharraf had assured human rights groups that he would support efforts to Change the laws so that rape would be tried in Secular Courts as opposed to being tried under Islamic Law. However, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) group threatened to walk out of parliament if the government proceeded with such reforms.
Most women in Pakistan are too afraid to report incidences of rape. If they fail to provide four witnesses in court they themselves could be charged with adultery under the same legislation. According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan a woman is raped every two hours and gang raped every eight. The Protection of Women Bill being proposed by Supporters of reform was an attempt to change Pakistan's rape laws and provide real justice for the victims of this kind of violence.
2

Gender
MPS PROTEST CHANGE
The Women's Action Forum has expressed outrage at the government's acquiescence with the MMA: "The government's political machinations with the MMA will result in amendments that will be even
more barbaric... By conducting these closed door negotiations the government is pandering to a group of religious obSCurantists who are known for their rabidly anti-women stance and thus is bartering away women's rights," said the WAF. They have reminded the government that women's rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the government's international Commitments.
Just a few days after this bill was debated in Parliament a young University graduate who was abducted, along with her mother, was raped by two men in police uniform. The doctors say that the violence inflicted upon her was obvious when she was admitted to hospital weeks later. This twenty-four-year-old has filed a case of rape against the perpetrators who were eventually caught by the police. However the police have charged them only with kidnapping, because she had not gotten the four male witnesses needed according to the Islamic law followed by the Pakistan legal System. "Rapist don't bring four witnesses to watch," the university graduate said. Even if they brought the witnesses, they should be tried and punished for standing-by and watching the Crime. Now if this woman stubbornly files a rape case and loses, She could be tried and jailed for adultery.
Source: Newsheet, VOL. XVIII No. 3, September 2006.
Pravahini

Page 3
and LaW
AVERDICT THAT SHOC
A woman named Sivayoharany from Poovarasangkulam, Vavuniya, had filed a case in 2003 claiming that the SubInspector of Poovarasangkulam Vipula Janaka Bandara was the father of her daughter Dilani. The Magistrate Court of Vavuniya rejected the case, and So an appeal was made to the Supreme Court of Vavuniya.
Sivayoharany a mother of a fourteen-year-old had been living with her Son alone in Poovarasangkulam after the death of her husband who had been cruelly hacked to death by Security forces along with her two brothers on the same night a few years back. One of the army perSonnel involved in this crime was sentenced to death for this cruelty. Soon after this incident, Sivayoharany had moved out of her village with her son and settled in her present residence.
When the magistrate asked her if she had ever appeared in Courts for any crime, she truthfully said that she had been presented in Courts twice for brewing alcohol. She said that it was her source of income, and it was through this business that she had come to know the SubInspector, the accused. One night the accused had come to her shop with one of his friends to consume alcohol, and after doing so he had asked her to render her Services to them. When she had asked how she could help them, thinking they wanted money, they had just Smiled and said that they would let her know later. A few days later, the accused returned to her shop locked her in a room and raped her, and she for the fear of being attacked had not screamed for help. Thereafter, the accused had made it a point to visit her regularly after 10 o'clock, and the victim had kept Quiet for the fear that was natural from her experience. When she conceived, She had told the accused of it, and the accused had said not to fear, as the child was his responsibility. However, after the child was born he had been transferred to another area and had refused to keep any contact with the victim, following which the victim had filed a case claiming maintenance and certification for the child.
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC - Volume 14, Issue 2
KED THE PATRIARCHS
The defendants said that there was no proper proof that it was Janaka Bandara, who was the father of the child, and they said that if he was then the 14-year-old Son of Sivayoharany should be able to give evidence for Seeing them have intercourse, the Judge rejected this argument saying that intercourse was not a public matter for all to See, especially not a 14-year-old, and that at that hour of the day a boy of that age would obviously not be awake. However, as the child had seen the convict on two occasions within a 5 feet distance from the victim this too was against the defendants. After calculating the time period of the pregnancy and childbirth and the dates on which the woman claimed to have had intercourse, it was decided that it was possible that Janaka Bandara was the father. Thus, the defendant was asked to undergo a DNA test, which was blankly refused by the defendant. This arouse great deal of Suspicion.
The Supreme Court Judge Justice J. Visvanathan heard the testimony of the Woman without being biased or being influenced by Concepts Such as that women always make everything sentimental for their advantage. After taking into Serious consideration the accounts of the witneSSeS, the Judge gave the verdict; he said that the Suspect's refusal to undergo a DNA test clearly showed that he was guilty and it was this refusal that mainly led to the Suspicion towards the accused. The decision declared that it was proved above Suspicion that Janaka Bandara was the father of the child of Sivayoharany, and that he will have to pay Rs.3000 every month as maintenance to the child and also an amount of Rs.5000 to Sivayoharany as case expenditure.
From the beginning, the Women's organisations in Vavuniya were in support of Sivayoharany and had watched the proceedings closely. The verdict passed brought great joy to these organisations.
We are proud of Justice J. Visvanathan who has creatively applied the law to safeguard the rights of a discriminated
WO2.
3

Page 4
Newsletter of WERC - Volume. 14, Issue 2
Sati” legalori
According to Hindu mythology, Sati the wife of Daksha was so overcome at the demise of her husband that she immolated herself on his funeral pyre and burnt herself to ashes. Since then her name "Sati" has come to represent the Selfimmolation by a widow. As this was Considered a great Sacrifice by a loyal wife it became a prestigious and glorified practice in the Indian continent; women were expected/forced to immolate themselves on their husbands' pyres. Today Sati is illegal, and the Country owes the abolition of this deplorable practice to the Crusading efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy, the 18th Century Social reformer.
s Indian woman dies on N husband's pyre
In a village called Tulsipar in the Central state of India, Madhya Pradesh a woman has burnt herself to death on her husband's funeral pyre. The fortyyear-old woman named Janakrani had burnt herself to death on the funeral pyre of her husband Prem Narayan.
The police investigations have revealed that Janakrani had been forced or prompted to commit the act. Villagers say Prem Naryan died on a Monday morning, and his body was set alight by his family and villagers, after which people left for home. The villagers say that Janakrani left her house after returning from the cremation telling people she had to attend to some work. When the villagers went looking for her they found her dead
 །། 0n the pyre. لر
However the practice of Sati was most prevalent among the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, rather than in the other castes or aboriginal tribes. Among the Brahmins and Kshatriyas a bride was looked upon as a burden as she represented a drain on the family's income, while not contributing anything towards it. If this was her status as a bride, it is not surprising that if she had the misfortune to become
4

legal practice?
a widow, her presence in the family would be dreaded. Apart from being Considered an object of ill omen, her presence after her husband demise was a dead weight to her in-laws.
The Manusmriti Considered to be one of the most important legal texts guiding ancient Indian polity has injunctions which reflect this attitude. It says, "a woman is undeserving for independence" Beliefs that a widow, especially a young one, would fall into immoral practices for sensual pleasures was also used to Stoke the fires of Sati. Strangely enough this logic was never applied to the men. Widowers were never an under-privileged lot.
But the most visible factor that perpetrated Sati was the 'halo of honour given to it. Especially in the mediaeval ages, Sati was given the status of an act of honour. This was mainly so among the Rajput martial caste of northern India, among whom Sati took the form of a Collective Suicide after a battle in which male members had suffered death at the enemy's hands.
N سربر Four brothers allegedly threw mother on father's funeral pyre
In a village called Baniyani in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, four brothers were arrested for allegedly throwing their 95-year-old mother into their father's funeral pyre. The brothers and the villagers had initially said that the woman, Kuria Devi, had climbed into the flames by herself committing 'sati.”
The police who investigated the case say that the woman was too old and frail to have clambered up alone. Even if she did, none of the 20 people at the funeral stopped her, so they will be arrested for abetting sati. India has struggled in recent decades to end sati. While rare, the practice persists mainly in rural regions where widows are often shunned because of a belief they will bring bad luck and tragedy to the community.
The impact of this ideology of Sati is still present and these two newspaper accounts testifies to that. . لر
Pravahini

Page 5
Sati was Committed by women even before their husbands were actually dead - when their City Or town was besieged by the enemy and they faced a Certain defeat. This form of Sati was more popularly known as Jouhar. The Jouhar Committed by Rani Padmini of Chittor, when faced by the prospect of dishonour at the hands of a Sultan from Delhi, has been immortalized in Indian history. In the medieval ages, when foreign Islamic armies attacked India, Jauhar (a term that is often Confused with “sati"), or mass self-immolation, was committed by women to avoid humiliation in the hands of the enemies when their husbands went to protect themselves from the perversions of the invading troops.
Sati was made illegal in 1846 following demands by Indian reformers. However even after it was declared illegal, it was practiced in the rural pockets of India to a recognizable level, until 1987 when a woman named Roop Kan war was immolated. Her immolation sparked off a
/
Pornograph
Research has been conducted in the U.S to find any possible links between pornography and the occurrence of violence, child molestation and sex Crimes. ACCording to a Survey published by Rand Corp. in a recent issue of Pediatrics' teens who listen to music with sexual lyrics start having sex Sooner than teens who don't. The Associated Press quoted Steven Martino, the lead researcher on this project, as saying that exposure to lots of Sexually degrading music "gives them a specific message about sex." Boys learn they should be relentless in pursuit of girls, and girls learn to view themselves as sex objects.
In response to this, movie and TV producers claim that when including violence, profanity and explicit sexuality in their productions they are simply "reflecting Society as it is." To be asked to change what they show would be "an infringement upon their artistic freedom."
Judith Reisman, author Of "The Psychopharmacology of Pictorial Pornography," Sees a direct causal link between pornography and sex Crimes. "In many cases I don't think we have any problem saying pornography Caused
ܢܠ
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC – Volume 14, Issue 2
campaign which gave rise to a furious debate, addressing not only the rights and wrongs of Hindu women, but questions of religious identity, Communal autonomy and the role of the law and the State in a Society as Complex and diverSeaS India's. After the chaos Created by the 1987 incident, the authorities took steady and Stern StepS to prevent such activities, as the incident had sparked national and international outrage. This practice was most prevalent in the Northern and Central parts of India. Under Indian law, promising financial or spiritual benefits to a woman's family for Committing Sati can be punished by a life prison Sentence. Even standing aside as a woman throws herself on a funeral pyre can attract a life term. Have all these steps put a full stop to this practice is a question worth asking. Lately there have been reports of the practice re-emerging in the rural areas in the Central State of India. How many of them go unreported and unnoticed?
༄ y and Crime
the sex offense). We have tons of data," she writes. Congress has tried to pass legislation that would Control pornography but the Courts vetoed these attempts on the grounds that such laws would restrict free speech.
Meanwhile, in September a 20-year old Salt Lake City (USA) resident was arrested and charged with Capital murder and first-degree child kidnapping. He has been accused of killing 5-year-old Destiny Norton, whose body was found stuffed in a Container in his basement a few days after she had gone missing. When asked why he killed the girl the accused responded that he was "addicted to pornography at One point. It was ruining my life and affecting my relationship with my wife. I can tell you this: I have now become a strong advocate against pornography..."
No One is arguing that anyone who watches pornography will become a serial killer, but there must be increased awareness that what we See and hear influences our behavior.
Source: Newsheet, VOL. XVIII NO.3, September 2006, "Pornography: the social ill behind Some crimes.”
5

Page 6
Newsletter of WERC – Volume. 14, Issue 2
Sri Lankan Mi
Increasing Violence Agains Lebanon
During the crisis situation in Lebanon, the violence against the Sri Lankan housemaids also increased. When Lebanon was continuously attacked by Palestine the housemaids had wanted to return to Sri Lanka, but had been refused to even leave the premises. In fact, they had been locked-up in the houses and physically abused.
Some women had stunning stories to reveal at their return. Some had been violently beaten for asking to leave Lebanon and had been locked in a room without food, water or sanitary facilities for several days. This had been recorded by the Social and Economical Development Centre (SEDEC).
The Country Director of Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC, Rev. Demian Fernando has requested from the Sri Lankan Government, UNHCR and ILO to take immediate steps to provide compensation to the returnees.
Women sent to whore hous exploited in their motherland
Two women who had been sent to Singapore under the false impression that they were being sent as domestic aides returned to Sri Lanka once they realized their situation. But for no avail, when they reached the Katunayake airport they had been kidnapped by a group of five who had also later raped them. Two women also had been involved in the crime. All the seven of them were later taken into custody by the women police, and Women and Child Protection Authority and presented before the magistrate. The suspects are being kept in
6

grant Women
t Sri Lankan Housemaids in
The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said, during one of the Ministry's press conferences that if the story recounted by the women was true then those who had undergone physical violence in their workplaces, could make their complaints to the Sri Lankan High Commission in Lebanon. However the information gathered by various organisations working on the issue of Migrant Workers shows that the High Commissions in the United Arab Emirates rarely have any power. The Foreign Missions very often give-in when the employers come and claim for their workers who seek refuge in the High Commissions. It is also said that at most instances the Missions speak on behalf/in support of the employer other than on behalf of the migrant workers. This raises the issue as to whom do our Migrant Workers turn to at a time of crisis.
es in Singapore return to be
remand for further questioning until 18th of October 2006.
The two women had gone to Singapore through an employment agency in Anuradhapura. Only when they reached their destination had they realized that they had landed in a prostitution house. Once they realized their position they had immediately escaped from the inn and had sought refuge in the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore. It was the Sri Lankan mission that had sent them back home.
.
Pravahini

Page 7
Muslim Women
Discussing the Veil in Br
A heated debate in Britain concerning the wearing of the veil has reemerged and grown over the past few weeks. In his local newspaper Jack Straw, a leading member of Tony Blair's cabinet and former British Foreign Secretary, spoke out against the niqab, the full body and face veil worn by Some Muslim women. He admitted that the niqab made him uncomfortable and asked politely for women to consider taking it off when coming to ask for his help. In an editorial written by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, this progressive Muslim woman expresses her agreement with Straw.
Alibhai-Brown writes, "It is time to speak out against this objectionable garment." While she does not insist that Muslim Women be stopped from wearing Such garments as the niqab, she does feel that state institutions and private companies should have the right to decide that a person whose face is hidden need not be served. She stresses that Such action "would not be anti-Muslim, but one in favor of Communication." She goes on to commend the law in France banning the hijab and headscarf in public Schools, arguing that "overtly religious symbols are divisive." Alibhai-Brown
“Even other Muslims tur.
Another female Muslim journalist decided to respond to this debate in Britain Surrounding the niqab. Having never worn the niqab herself, Zaiba Malik decided to try it out for one day. After purchasing the necessary three pieces of black cloth and putting them on, she stared at herself in the mirror completely shocked and admittedly horrified: "I'm so taken aback by how dissociated I feel from my own reflection that it takes me over an hour to pluck up the courage to leave the house."
When she does finally leave the safety of her home, Malik discovers the intensity of people's responses to her apparel. People stare, glare, point, laugh and babies even cryl "...I'm stuck looking aloof and inhospitable, and I'm not surprised that my day lacks the civilities normally receive, the hellos, thank-yous and goodbyes." Not only does her day lack these civilities but she also experiences outright hostility. One
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC – Volume 14, Issue 2
andtheir Weils
itain
then writes, "Western culture -it is true- is wildly Sexualized and lacking in restraint. But there are ways to avoid falling into that pit without withdrawing into the darkness of a niqab. The robe is a physical manifestation of the pernicious idea of women as carriers of original sin; it assumes that the sight of a cheek or lock of hair turns Muslim men into predators. The niqab rejects human Commonalities."
This debate clearly highlights the struggle many modern/ progressive Muslims are going through when facing an extremist position within their own faith on the one hand, and the consumerist and alien-infiltrating Cultural mores of the West. Muslims such as Alibhai-Brown are trying to find a middle ground that reflects their own beliefs and cultural background, without Succumbing to what they perceive as restrictive practices. "As a modern Muslim Woman, I fast and pray; but I refuse to submit to the hijab or to an opaque, black shroud...Millions of progressive Muslims want to halt this Islamicist project to take us back to the Stone Ages. Straw is right to start a debate about what we wear."
Source: TIME, October 16, 2006, p.60.
n and look at me.”
man calls her a "tease," another a "terrorist." Even in the National Portrait Gallery she feels like one of the exhibits. Malik admits that she cannot even bear to look at her own shadow: "Vain as it may sound, I miss seeing my own face, my own shape. I miss myself. Yet at the same time I feel completely naked."
Malik goes on to say that although the women she has met who wear the niqab claim that it gives them confidence, for her it feels as if she has "oppressed and isolated" herself, despite the fact that the choice to wear the garment was her own. In conclusion she writes, "I don't understand the need to wear Something as Severe as the niqab, but I respect those who bear this endurance test-the staring, the Swearing, the discomfort, the loss of identity...I prefer not to wear my religion on my sleeve...or on my face."
Source: The Daily Mirror International, October 18, 2006, p. D4-D5.
Cont, on Page. 9
- 7

Page 8
Newsletter of WERC - Volume. 14, issue 2
FORMS (
A Gory tale of a Family kill
ae
Due to the War situation and the Continuous checking the people of a village called Thomaspury in Mannar seek refuge in the Vangalai Church at night and return home only in the morning. On One Such day, when a woman returned home early in the morning all that waited for her in the house were the four most horrendously mutilated corpses of her sister's family.
Moorthy Martin a carpenter by profession had been badly injured by some sharp weapon and hung in a room along with his children. The wife, Mary Madeline Chithra, had been repeatedly raped and injured severely with a sharp weapon and was left to die in the bed in the middle of a pool of blood.
Immediately after this incident, the public revealed that ever since there had been claymore attacks
Women killed before they are
A surprise raid by the police and the health officials on the Sahib hospital in the town of Patran, in India's Punjab state, unearthed a 10-metre well - located behind a private clinic - which Contained the remains of at least 50 female foetuses. The discovery provoked the largest ever Campaign against female foeticide acroSS the State's 23 districts.
Punjab has the lowest sex ratio in the Country; there are 776 girls for every 1000 boys in the state up to the age of 6-years. The government has instructed all district and local officials to carry out

OF VIOLENC
ed in the most horrendous
and fighting in the Mannar District there had been Several round-ups and checking Conducted by the army, which had led to several young men being arrested, and also sexual assaults on women. Following the claymore attack, there had been an attack On the houses in a resettlement, which resulted in burning down of nearly twenty houses with a lot of people still inside the houses. The burnt Corpses of a newborn and the mother were found among them.
It seems as if in most war situations the woman has to bear the pain and humiliation when she Suddenly becomes an 'enemy' and she becomes the battleground where the other proves the power. A man can just be killed when he becomes
an 'enemy' but a woman should be humiliated and killed
born
regular surprise checks on clinics and Centres offering ultrasound testing. The owners of the Sahib hospital have been arrested.
Two days after the first well was unearthed a Second well was unearthed close to the first. After six hours of vigorous digging, workers recovered what appeared to be numerous skeletal remains of babies and several pieces of blood-soaked clothes.
The monthly raids have been made mandatory, and they are continuing across Punjab. Meanwhile, Some officials associated with these raids have received death threats.
Pravahini

Page 9
E AGAINST \
“Why Aren't We Shocked?"
In a recent editorial published by the New York Times, columnist Bob Herbert comments on the school shootings that took place in the U.S recently. Ten girls were shot and five killed in an Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. One girl was killed while several others were molested in an attack at a school in Colorado. Herbert points out that in the media coverage that followed the shooting, very little was made of the fact that women were the exclusive targets of the attackers. Had the gunmen gone in and separated the kids on the basis of race or religion; targeting only the black kids, or the Jews, the country would have responded differently. "There would have been thunderous outrage. The country would have first recoiled in horror, and then mobilized in an effort to eradicate that kind of murderous bigotry."
Instead, none of that occurred. '...We have become so accustomed to living in a society saturated with misogyny that violence against females is more or less to be expected." In a country like the United States where the media bombards viewers with programs, news shows and advertisements that are highly
Cont. from Pg. 7... Muslim Women...
The Veil Debate Continues in Egypt
Britain is not the only place to be experiencing a recent flare-up in the debate over the veil. At Helwan University in Egypt, about 30 Km from Cairo, students whose faces are completely hidden behind the veil have been banished from the female residence halls. Of the 2,800 female students housed in the residence halls of the university, most already wear the headscarf, or hijab. However, those who have chosen the more radical apparel which covers the face, have been told to take it off or "quit the student digs."
The Dean of Helwan university who was behind this recent ultimatum states, "What I want is to protect students against those individuals who might worm their way in, disguised under a face veil." Those who oppose the wearing of the veil are very pleased that such a measure has been taken, while those who support the veil say that "the ultimatum is an invasion of their freedom and flies in the face of true Islam."
Demonstrations opposing the ban were Quickly organized by students who see "the battle of the veil" as a central issue in the Islamisation of Egyptian Society. Other Universities in Egypt
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC – Volume 14, !ssue 2
WOMEN
sexualized and derogatory, the public has become desensitized to blatant acts of misogyny. "The disrespectful, degrading, contemptuous treatment of women is so pervasive and so mainstream that it has just about lost its ability to shock."
The reality is that a girl or woman is sexually assaulted every couple of minutes or so in the United States and there are countless occurrences of battered wives or girlfriends. "We're all implicated in this carnage because the relentless violence against women and girls is linked at its core to the wider society's casual willingness to dehumanize women and girls, to see them first and foremost as sexual vessels -objects- and never, ever as the equals of
yy
er.
In this powerful column, Herbert reminds his readers that the situation is a far cry from "fun and games." He calls on the public to recognize the "devastating continuum of misogyny" that has even reached so far as to touch the lives of those living in a small, Amish town in rural Pennsylvania.
Source: "Why Aren't We Shocked?" The New York Times,
October 16, 2006.
however have tried in recent years to "oppose the march of the veil." Soad Saleh, a professor of Islamic law and former dean of the Women's faculty of Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University strongly states that she doesn't believe in the necessity of the veil. "I don't agree that the veil should be compulsory, and 1 don't like it." She claims she wants to "purge lslam of false concepts: the Koran does not say women have to cover their faces, it's an old Bedouin tradition." After making such statements against the veil, Saleh has faced criticism from high ranking Islamic officials and even threats from a fundamentalist Imam in a Suburb of Cairo.
Regardless of the growing controversy, at Helwan University the female students continue to wear whatever they chose, however, if they wish to enter the women's residences their faces must be visible.
Source: The Daily Mirror, Oct. 25th 2006, "university in Egypt embroiled in the battle of the veil."

Page 10
Newsletter of WERC – Volume . 14, Issue 2
Gender Sensitisation
The Gender Sensitisation workshops Conducted by W tember. The Coordinator deserved three big cheers f its achievements in Conducting these workshops in t in the Society who had been made aware of genders had reiterated the fact that more gender training is net
der Inequalities.
Peace Education
The Peace Education workshops have begun afresh. Came to an end in June and taking into Consideratio the present situation WERC sought funding for more workshops of the sort. Consequently Cordaid approved to fund the programme and we have started conducting workshops for everyone interested in following the workshops. So far two workshops have been conducted, one in Sinhala and one in Tamil, and all who took part expressed great appreciation towards this type of workshops being Conducted.
Those who might be interested in following one of these workshops can contact Mr. Kettewela on 011
2595.296.
Sexual Harassment Sticker ar
The Sexual Harassment Sticker and Poster campaign is a dream that WERC had tried to achieve. We know that the stickers and the posters may not enable women to Speak-up against Sexual harassment in public transport, but it might give them Some power to take Some effort to Speak
up knowing that there is a legal system to
10
 

CWGS
/ERC funded by CIDA came to an end by end of Sepor her Committed effort. WERC was indeed proud of he past, and was reaffirmed that there are people Out ensitivity and insensitivity in Society. All participants
eded for more people to create awareness about Gen
The programme funded by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
n the dire need to talk about peace in our Society in
Pravahini

Page 11
UGRO
protect them and various Organisations to back them Colombo, Galle and Kandy, however we expected S the buses and were quite disheartened when we did not. Yet, we have not given up hope, we feel that women will need more time and more assurance to Speak out a loud about the Sexual agony they go through in the public transport, until then we hope to persevere.
The posters and the Stickers give a basic
idea about the laws that exist to prevent sexual harassment in public places and the COde of et campaign actually started in March on the Internation were printed afresh along with the posters, and thi International Development Agency (CIDA).
Campaign Against Violence Against V
in celebration of International Day Against Violence Against Women and the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Gender Based Violence Forum comprising of various sectors (NGOs, IINGOS, UN, Government Agencies, etc.) had organised a Campaign on the 25th of November 2006. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign celebrated to end gender-based violence. In 2006 this international campaign Celebrated its 16 years of
activism.
The GBV forum invited WERC to facilitate an
interactive Session On "Violence in Public
 

Newsletter of WERC – Volume 14, Issue 2
up. This campaign was successfully Carried-Out in Ome response from those who notice the Stickers in
hics when travelling in a public transport. This Sticker
al Women's Day, but this time a whole set of Stickers is time the campaign was funded by the Canadian
Women - 16 Days of Activism
Places," Consequently WERC facilitated a session On Sexual Harassment in Public Places." Ms.
Kumari Vitharane, who is one of our gender trainers and is associated with American Centre
for International Labour Solidarity (ACLS), facilitated the session. Ms. Prabha Gunasinghe, Our ACCounts Officer, Mr. Sarath Wickremasingha our book sales officer and Mr. Nihal Fernando represented WERC at this campaign and were ably assisted voluntarily by Ms. Joya Taft-Dick and MS. N. L. Vidanagamachchige.

Page 12
Newsletter of WERC – Volume . 14, Issue 2
Տ Է
Տs
菇
 

Page 13
Bernadeen is no more but... she lives on in the movements she Worked for
My association with Bernadeen started twenty-five years ago. Except for a brief period when I was in the Netherlands, I was in touch with her constantly. The conversations we had over the phone and the meetings were meaningful. She had a tone that was very determined and forceful. There was no lingering. She personified kindness and Compassion and was ready to help anyone. She was able to easily transcend ethnic, religious and class factors to join in any struggle for achieving justice, peace and fair play. She was Quick to Condemn ethnic chauvinism, religious extremism and class oppression. Unlike many others in our midst she was loud and clear in the views she expressed.
She was always available for people in need. We could go to her without appointments if necessary. Often she would think aloud without hesitation "What can we do? We should do something."
For a person with Such conviction and ideological Commitment it is not Strange that she was sought after and became associated with the formation and founding of many important organisations in Sri Lanka. She will no doubt find a place when the history of Alternative Movements in Sri Lanka comes to be documented. Her vision was not limited, but covered a wide spectrum.
She was, along with others responsible for founding Kanthahandacalled Pennin Kural, in Tamil, and Voice of Women in English. This organisation was the first feminist organisation of the 1970s and pioneered the Women's Movement in this country into new directions. The original copies of the journal brought out by this organisation would bear ample testimony to the level of new dialogues it started. The first meeting during which the need for a women's organisation was discussed, was held at Bernadeen's home at 16/, Don Carolis Road, as well as the Subsequent meetings until the organisation found its own premises.
Bernadeen was associated with the founding of Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) - the pioneer
movement of Liberation Theology in this country. In fact, she operated in many of the issues that were launched by the CSR. The pamphlets, journals, newsletters and books that were published by CSR bear witness to Bernadeen's intervention and input.
In 1971, when there were many human rights violations, the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) was launched. It gave us lessons on The Value of Dissent to a society that was fast deteriorating into intolerance. Bernadeen was one of the founders of CRM, and first CRM was inaugurated in Bernadeen's flat at Bornes Place.
Knowing her commitment to such issues as peace and justice and fair play, others sought after her. The National Peace Council (NPC) and People's Action for Free & Fair Election (PAFFREL) got her into their organisations and benefited immensely by her contribution. She had the time and energy till the last to play a pro-active role in various such alternative movements.
My personal dealings with Bernadeen began when I joined Women's Education Centre (WEC) – in the founding of which Bernadeen was instrumental along with Kumari Jayawardena. WEC was later renamed Women's Education and Research Centre (WERC) and I accepted its directorship. Bernadeen as a Trustee and Board member gave me directions and guidance along with Kumari Jayawardena. It was indeed
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC - Volume 14, Issue 2
a pleasure working with the coordination and cooperation extended to me. Bernadeen took a keen interest in the development of the organisation - in buying a premise, and in converting the old house into the present structure. She played a major role in the progress of WERC. When depressed over national disasters, or private problems. Bernadeen was there to give advice and guidance and cheer us up.
Bernadeen was involved in all our activities at WERC. It was a joy that she was always there at meetings, seminars and parties. At the end of such get-togethers she would stay behind to say a few words, talk to the staff, find out how they are fairing and cheer us up all. She talked, sang and danced with us.
One Question that came to all our minds, when I announced her passing, was will we ever again have anyone like Bernadeen? The loSS is irreparable. t
Selvy Thiruchandran
A token of appreciation
To all of us who were attached to the staff of Women's Educations and Research Centre (WERC), it was not only heart-breaking but shattering news to learn of the sudden passing away of Mrs. Bernadine Silva, for she was very close to us. Indeed she was a part of WERC.
A Senior Executive on the Board of Directors of WERC, we know Mrs Bernadine Silva had been one of those few pioneering women activists who had been personally responsible for the establishment of this women's organization way back in 1982. Her interest in its progress and development was close to her heart through the years - and So it was that she became a familiar figure involving herself in all our activities.
Members of WERC staff cannot easily forget, and will indeed Sorely miss, her beaming smile whenever she visited our office. Her presence was always warmly welcomed for she had a cheery word for each one. She would inquire about their progress in their assignments, surprising us with the keen interest she took in WERC's current programs. To those who had a problem she would give an understanding hearing whether it was an official or personal matter. Many a time we have turned to her when confronted with a difficult situation especially when our own Director, Mrs. Thiruchandran was not immediately available. Mrs. Bernadine was so pleasantly accessible at all times that we could always expect from her, with her experienced judgement, a Solution to tide over our anxiety. We also acknowledge with gratitude, her efforts to improve personal skills of Staff, recommending them for training courses locally and abroad.
Mrs. Bernadine's attendance was always anticipated at WERC's varied activities - Seminars, conferences, book launches and the many projects regarding women's issues. It was a Source of encouragement to us to have her participate so enthusiastically - on occasion even obliging us by Stepping in to preside over the day's program due to a scheduled individual's absence.
We also looked forward to Mrs. Bernadine's happy company at Social gatherings. She would join us at our farewell get-togethers, felicitations and even staff outings.
We now reflect on the sad thought that hereafter we will only picture her in our memories – that friendly helpful manner, the wise Counseling and guidance, that happy personality that was Mrs. Bernadine. These memories will Surely last alongtime at WERC.
May the green sod lie lightly on this beautiful life
- (2 bilva P. bd13 ܒܩܒܬ݁ܰܡܢܩܛܠ

Page 14
Newsletter of WERC – Volume . 14, Issue 2
... 'A CANDLE IN THE WIND' - A tribute to BERNADEEN
SILVA
“Full many a Gem of purest ray serene... The dark unfathomed depths of ocean bear Full many a flower is born to blush unseen And waste its sweetness in the dessert air.’
MS Bernadeen Silva was that type of Wonderful person whom many but her numerous close asSociates knew. She was a Soft-spoken Calm, intelligent and well-balanced lady. She never did fuss nor, she ever displayed the fact that she Counted many qualifications to her Credit, not only in the field of Librarianship as an Information Specialist, but also in Other fields in the SOcial Sciences
My association with Bernadeen dates back to the early fifties when she lectured on Library and Information Science held at St Paul's Milagiriya Girls School. Perhaps I was included in the first batch of
Students On Library and Information Services.
In her professional Capacity she joined the Centre for Society and Religion where she served long years and ended up as an Assistant Director in the same Organisation. During her tenure of Office she was fully Committed to the Cause of justice, Civil and Human rights, peace and ethnic harmony. She Contributed many articles on Religion, Justice, Peace and Human Rights to Journals and Other publications released by CSR.
She was involved in Several Social Service
movements as far back as the 1950'S since Her
University days leading the Cause of people's Struggles. She was widely known in National and International circles and was admired and loved by
all who came in Contact with her.
Her sincere love for humanity inspired many people. With her understanding and loving nature, she made many friends who undoubtedly will miss her very much. She helped many people in numerous ways
and her valuable advice was much appreciated.
Long years after in Library circles I came in Contact
14

with her at the CSR when I visited my Library Colleague Sita Weerasuriya at the CSR. She gave us both an opportunity to serve as Interpreters for a Foreign Monitoring Team sponsored by PAFFREL at the 2005 Presidential Elections. This was indeed an
enriching experience for me.
Soon after She introduced me to the Women's
Education and Research Centre (WERC), where l accepted an assignment as Chief Librarian where I'm
presently working.
As a Board Director and a Trustee at WERC she rendered yeoman Service. She was dedicated, Committed, and stepped in for the Director whenever she was called upon and was very dedicated and Committed. She maintained COrdial relations with the Staff. We have fond memories of her as she joined us at Our Christmas party and we all enjoyed the fun. All of us at WERC will Sadly miss you.
A Couple of days before she passed Off Dr Selvy Thiruchandran, Our Executive Director informed me
Of MS Bernadeen Silva's illness and that she was
going to See at the Nursing Home. I kindly requested her " Will you please remember me to her?" Unfortunately this was never to be as she was Snatched away from uS SO Suddenly like a Candle in the Wind. We will all miss you dear Bernadeen , yOur dear Self, your Charm your pleasant Smile and yOurgentle Ways, Also your friendship and above all yOur love. May you rest in Peace.
Sharmini
Pnawaliini

Page 15
LOSS of Someone dear ...
One of our Founders and Trustee, Ms. Bernadeen Silva left us all in Sorrow and tears, when she left us on the 7th of February 2007.
She was always the favourite of the Board Members; she was one who was ready for the call of any one of us. She never stepped back at a moment of Confusion or need, neither did she refuse to take part in our
merriment.
She was not only a member of WERC she worked with various other social services organisations to promote human rights, equality, peace and harmony in Sri Lanka.
There was never a hierarchy in the relationship she had with any of us. When joined WERC I was not sure if could even speak to the Directors, as I expected the set-up to be hierarchical, I had not even met any of the Directors at that time, but when I saw Ms. Bernadeen for the first time the first thing she said was "Ah... so you are Thiru, I have heard some good things about you". This was surprising for me as I had joined only recently and there was no opportunity for me to have done anything good to get Such recognition. Later realised that she had actually tried to make me part of the team and encourage me to perform better. Yes, thereafter I felt a great urge to perform well in my duties.
WERC always had a great reputation for providing a joyous environment for working, it couldn't have been anything but that, with founders like Ms. Bernadeen.
Ms. Bernadeen has always amazed me with her patience and ability to think Straight at Stressful moments. We will surely miss her hearty laugh, and will surely remember her loud joyous laugh at our Christmas party last year. I will never forget the way she bullied me when I sang "My Bony is over the Ocean..."
The last time we saw her she was laughing off mischievously at our party in December last year, we could not even believe that she had left us forever when we heard the news in February. Memories are the only valuable things that we carry when someone leaves us, and our memories of Ms. Bernadeen are full
Pravahini

Newsletter of WERC – Volume 14, Issue 2
of merriment, nothing that was painful or depressing, and that is the only solace we have now. However, think it is high time we accept reality and bid her adieu.
Thiru
Loss of a Dear Friend
I have known Bernadeen for the last 35 years, from the time I started working as a librarian. She was always a helpful personality, sharing her knowledge and experience with whomever sought her advice. She was a good friend and a good adviser to all.
After a short spell of separation, I had the opportunity to meet her again at WERC as the Trustee of the organisation. However, our friendship Continued as it had been in the good old days. She was not only a friend to me, she was a friend loved by many. She was not just a friend at times of merriment, she also shared our burdens as a sincere friend. Her respect to humanity in general often demanded respect.
iš%
Bernadeen's Last Party with us at WERC
Her death came as a shock to many of us, her active personality could never be imagined to have been made silent and immobile.
Her pleasing character will be greatly missed by my Colleagues and me. I am Sure her loSS has Caused a great vacuum in the feminist activism.
Mahes
15

Page 16
Newsletter of WERC - Volume . 14, Issue 2
English Nivedini Annual Journal of Gender Studies - Vol 11. No. 01 July/August 2006
With increasing trade and capital, the technological flow across the regional and national boundaries, the cultural synchronisation, the trans-national exchanges through the media, have to a great extent disrupted the cultural, historical, political and geographical boundaries. The new problems and new inequalities have arisen both at gender and class levels, and this has compelled men and women to seek new knowledge. Old schools of thought had to be revised with newly emerging political and transnational realities, which affect internal sociocultural and socio-economic factors. Feminists are linking their struggle to all issues, to all theories and to all developments. The interdisciplinarity of gender/women's studies is the logical outcome of this process. The holistic knowledge-generating epoch coincides with the rise of the new feminist scholarship, which is susceptible to a whole range of intellectual influences. And this time our Nived ini
COn Centrate.S On this principle of interdisciplinarity.
Colombo 06
Fully Furnished
Cosy Apartment With
Bedroom, kitchen and spacious living room with a TV and a huge rooftop terrace Available on rent Rent Negotiable
Inspection by Prior Appointment Call Sarath on
الد 2590985 011 Or 2595296 011 ܢܬ
Women's Education
58, Dharmarama - Tel: 11 2595296 Fax: 11 2596.
 

/ー
ܢܠ
TMV'ERC Auditorium
For your next
& Seminar
8 Workshop
& Awareness Programmes
& Film Show
& Meeting Hall Charges A/C Non A/C Full Day (8Hrs) 5000/- 4500/- Two Hours 2000/- 1500/- For Every Additional Hr 400/- 250/- Facilities Television 400/- 8 VCR 300/- Overhead Projector 300/. Multi-Media Projector 5000/- Mikes (Each) 75/- Simultaneous Translation Unit 2000/- Head Phone (Each) 300/-
Service Charges 10% of the Total Amount Maximum seating capacity - 50
Ample Parking Space
/ー
£I®ኗ፰ኗ9/
For your next...
Research, Article, Book, Assignment
Books and Information on,
Gender 8 Women's Studies 8-Child & Youth & Religion & Media & Sociology & Politics
For Quick Reference Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias, Research Reports, Thesis & Directories
Special Collection on Women's Writings in Sri Lanka, & Documentations
News clippings on violence, suicide, human rights, FTZ women, trafficking in women, migrant workers Documented Journal Articles
EPW Feminism and Psychology, Rethinking History, Monthly Review, etc.
Audio Visuals
Documentaries and feature films on women's issues, human rights, ethnicity, etc.,
& Have membership, inter-library loan facilities
8 Information through telephone or fax, and computerised database for your research
8- Photocopying at cost pyling W ܢܠ
and Research Centre Road, Colombo 6.
13
E-mail: womedreGsltnet.lk