Muslim Women's Research And Action Forum – Sri Lanka – Vernathee – Women’s Movement of Affected Muslim Women

“This is our space, a space of support and solidarity, a space for comfort, a space to keep our values of trust, mutual understanding,.. a space for other women to bond…

The birth of the Vernathee Women’s Collective in 2018 was the culmination of more than 35 years of struggle, taking up the marginalized/affected Muslim women’s issues. It is an organic movement – of affected women and led by them. Vernathee offers a secure and safe space for women, born out of the dynamic mobilization training-mentoring process, VWC gives life to the collective voice of the Muslim women who have been affected by the legal /systemic inequalities for many years. The members come from 4 districts with a current membership stands at 274.

‘It is an exciting new experience for me, meeting other women is giving more confidence, a kind of new life…

VWC has sets its own moral-ethnical values: gender equity, ethnic coexistence, non violence, non discrimination, security, justice, honesty, no- corruption, collective strength and collective voice. VWC is moving forward not only supporting their members but going beyond and strengthening the movement, identifying and supporting many other vulnerable women in the community to bring gender – equality social changes. Members are active in 4 districts – Colombo, Badulla, Batticaloa, and Amparai. They actively lobbied with members of Parliament and local elected politicians on reforms of Muslim Personal Law.

“We are together, we are strong, we can move forward, we will go beyond just the name , with no boundaries, no barriers, will go from strength to strength…”

The nascent women’s movement – Vernathee aims to bring equality and justice to Muslim women affected by the socio -cultural –legal systems, while working on democratic rights – governance issues at community level in four districts, engaging duty bearers at local, subnational and national, thus expanding its constituency.

SOME SNAPSHOTS OF SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVES OF VERNATHEE

Badulla district

Demodara– 35 famiies were able to access water-pipe borne through community involvement in signature campaign, writing letters, meeting Divisional Officers, engaging the local Water Board to expedite and resolve their water problem. This demonstrates their local leadership abilities to mobilise local community involving Muslims, Sinhala, Tamil – women and men.

Batticaloa district

Kattankudy, – Vernadhi Women Collective leaders were able to pressurize town council member using a community – signature campaign to install gully lids of the drains where storm water flows in the area. This has been neglected for more than 2 years though the road was repaired. The exposed potholes posing a big risk for the children, old people and even younger people especially in the nights/and during the rain. 45 Muslim families [70% women/30 % men]will benefit by this initiative.

Vernathee – Women’s Movement of Affected Muslim Women.

A Grassroots Movement For Social Justice Actions