Brandix completes 'Jalavahini' programmes
Women leaders from over 200 community-based organizations (CBOs) in
Sri Lanka's water sector have been provided with new knowledge and
advice through the 'Jalavahini' programme launched by top apparel
exporter Brandix in June this year as part of its CSR agenda.
Amila Jayasekera, an official of the Development Banking
Division
of HNB at a recent ‘Jalavahini’ training programme. |
Commencing with the inaugural training programme in Anuradhapura
graced by Dinesh Gunewardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, for
representatives of 38 CBOs, the company has in collaboration with
NetWwater (Network of Women Water Professionals), Hatton National Bank (HNB)
Development Banking Division and other government and private sector
partners, conducted six sessions to date, two in Anuradhapura and one
each in Rambukkana, Hambantota, Matara and Avissawella.
According to Anusha Alles, Head of CSR at the Brandix Group, the
company plans to conduct ten Jalavahini programmes per year, to empower
women community leaders involved in water resources management in rural
Sri Lanka.
The initiative was launched in recognition of the fact that
community-based organizations (CBOs) are responsible for a sixth of Sri
Lanka's water supply, and that in many parts of the country, women bear
the brunt of the social and economic costs related to water insecurity.
Discussion topics at these training programmes included gender issues
at the community level and their impact on the water sector in each
respective area; management challenges in community/water related
Institutions, women's role and contribution; participation in Irrigation
Management for women at community level; catchment conservation and
community action for ensuring water security; livelihood opportunities
and climate change impacts and community adaptation for women in the
respective provinces.
Representatives of the Hatton National Bank (HNB) Development Banking
Division conducted a well received session on financial education for
women community leaders at each of these programmes.
Sri Lanka has about 3,500 community based organizations in the water
sector. These are now being reorganized under the National Community
Water Trust.
Many of these organizations have extensive female participation at
membership level but lesser representation at managerial level.
The Brandix Group's principal CSR efforts are driven by the central
corporate theme of 'Water' and constitute a long term commitment to
increasing the availability of water and the provision of safe drinking
water to those most in need. |