Japan donates USD 1.6 million to Sri Lanka via UN Women to support humanitarian aid for underprivileged women and girls

The Government of Japan has given UN Women USD 1.6 million to boost humanitarian aid for Sri Lankan women who are most impacted by the country's socioeconomic crisis.

The financing will help at least 1,200 women who have experienced sexual and gender-based abuse as part of a new initiative called "Empowering women in crisis," which will run from February 2023 to December 2023. Moreover, it will assist more than 2,000 people at risk of poverty and hunger as well as 500 women-led microbusinesses that are in danger of failing.

Hideaki Mizukoshi, the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, emphasised that "our objective is to guarantee that women and girls, who are most susceptible to the continuing catastrophe, are not left behind in response and recovery activities, and to ensure that their safety and security are prioritised during this time."

The continued crises and economic instability have made it difficult for people to access government services like safe homes and shelters, which has had devastating effects on women and girls. Reports from the ground indicate that sexual and gender-based assault incidents are continuing to rise.

UN Women will give safe homes ongoing access to goods like food and other necessities through this programme. Moreover, it will make sure that shelters and safe homes with upgraded and renovated facilities remain operational rather than being forced to close due to a lack of funds and assistance. This will guarantee that there are more safe places accessible for women and girls who are escaping violent situations.

In addition, there is a pressing need to guarantee that households, particularly those who are already disadvantaged and vulnerable, have access to essential food and requirements to maintain their life because of a lack of access to viable work prospects and skyrocketing food inflation.

Prashani Dias, Head of Office a.i. at UN Women Sri Lanka, said, "We are appreciative for the donation offered by the Government of Japan to meet the pressing needs of women and girls." "This will ensure that the situation of women and girls in the country does not deteriorate further and give income-generating resources and life-saving help to vulnerable women."

This project will engage with women-led businesses in the districts of Ampara, Colombo, Monaragala, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu to increase their business resilience and livelihoods through the provision of in-kind support and business development trainings.