6th day of international campaign against gender-based violence

Colombo (News 1st): Today marks the 6th day of the international campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence". According to a study commissioned by the United Nations Population Fund, 90% of women in Sri Lanka have been subjected to sexual harassment on public transport. Sexual harassment on public transport may occur in varying degrees of physical and verbal abuse and in some events may even lead to rape. According to UNFPA, while sexual harassment violates the fundamental rights and the freedom of women and girls, it also results in creating an environment of insecurity for women and girls which will limit their full participation in public life, employment and education. Public transport is the most economically viable option for the majority of Sri Lankans. And if Sri Lanka is to achieve it's economic potential, maximizing labour force participation is essential. UNFPA says addressing sexual harassment in public transport is paramount importance as it is a key deterrent that restricts the movement of women for economic opportunities.