Training programmes on non-violent communication, non-violent movements and citizen activism were held under NPC’s Women Organized for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) project. The role of women in leadership positions has gained significant recognition across various sectors. As women continue to break barriers and assume positions of power and influence, it becomes crucial to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to promote peace and harmony in their communities.

One way to achieve this is through specialised training programmes that focus on non-violent principles and strategies to empower them to become catalysts of positive change. The training programmes connected 42 supergroup members from the Gampaha, Matara, Monaragala, Kegalle, Kandy, Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya districts with inclusive ethnic and religious composition. It provided access to skills and tools required for non-violent communication and non-violent movements in order to harmonise a democratic society to foster sustainable change.

Supergroup members had the opportunity to share their experiences in communication, focusing on both negative and positive ways of communication and therefore being able to differentiate them. The discussions led them to actively consider best practices in communication, which play an instrumental role in creating a safer platform for women to share their stories and problems. The programmes are intended to create better networks among participants.

“My goal is to create a platform for community women leaders seeking social change in Kegalle district. This platform will enable us to create a non-violent social movement with expansion in other districts, which will be led by leaders from seven districts. Once we become a strong movement, we can expand in all 25 districts. This training gave us an opportunity to think beyond our boundaries,” said Ms. Damayanthi Godamulla, Director of the Community Development Centre in Kegalle.