In order to appreciate the importance of reinforcing a gender sensitive culture and strengthen the role of the Faculty in advancing gender equality, the Gender Cell of the Faculty of Medicine (GCFM), University of Jaffna organized the very first gender workshop for the academic and extended faculty staff.
The workshop was held on 29th July 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm in the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Medicine. Fourteen staff members of different departments attended the workshop.
The resource person for the workshop was Dr. Ramani Jayasundere, Director, Justice and Gender, Legal section, The Asia Foundation.
The session aimed to create a conversation around gender equality in Sri Lanka, concepts and what gender equality means in practice. The specific content of the session included gender equality terms and concepts, explanation on the focus on women’s rights when discussing gender equality, gender norms, Sri Lanka’s commitments to women’s rights, gender equality in the world of work as medical academics and professionals, issues of gender inequalities, and discrimination against women in universities. The session was interactive, the academics expressed their views openly and current issues related to gender equality were discussed through brainstorming.
This workshop was funded by the Staff Development Centre, University of Jaffna. Feedback was received from the participants anonymously which was encouraging. Certificates were given to all the participants.
It is hoped that, with the support of all the staff and students of the faculty, such workshops will continue in helping to improve gender equality and that the Gender Cell will provide the support needed by students and staff affected by gender related issues.
Acknowledgements:
First and foremost, our thanks to Dr. Ramani Jayasundere, Director and Senior Technical Advisor, on Justice and Gender Programs at The Asia Foundation’s Sri Lanka office who conducted this workshop in such a stimulating and thought provoking manner.
Thanks are also due to our Dean who has wholeheartedly supported the establishment of the Gender Cell and its activities.
Our sincere thanks to all the participants for their enthusiastic participation in the workshop and for their valuable suggestions
My sincere gratitude to the GCFM committee members for their whole hearted support for this workshop from the beginning.
A big thanks to Mr Gajenthiran, Dean’s office and Demonstrators and supporting staff of Department of Microbiology who worked hard in organizing this workshop.
Thanks is also due to the Staff Development Centre, University of Jaffna for the financial support for this workshop.
