KDU Center For Gender Equity And Equality

KDU Center for Gender Equity and Equality Celebrates Creative Talents with Empower Her Awards Ceremony
On May 21, 2024, the KDU Center for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) hosted an inspiring award ceremony to honor the winners of their poetry, video, and article writing competitions. The event, themed "Empower Her," took place at the KDU Staff Development Center and celebrated creative expressions promoting gender equity.
The ceremony was led by Dr. Nirosha Wedasinghe, Director of CGEE, with support from KDU faculty representatives. Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Dean of FMSH and former director of CGEE, served as the chief guest, alongside Ms. Anusha Edirisinghe, past director of CGEE at the University of Kelaniya. Their presence underscored the event's significance and commitment to gender equity.
The competition, centered around the theme "Empower Her," encouraged participants to explore and express ideas related to women's empowerment through poetry, video, and article writing. Winners received certificates and cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
The ceremony was attended by all participants and award winners, who gathered to celebrate their creative achievements. The event not only highlighted individual talents but also fostered a collective commitment to gender equality.
The KDU Center for Gender Equity and Equality's award ceremony was a testament to the power of creativity in advancing gender equity. Through initiatives like "Empower Her," KDU continues to inspire and support efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

The 10th World Conference on Women’s Studies, was held from 30th – 31st May 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Hybrid Platform), exploring the latest research, ideas, and solutions related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social justice. This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world, and to engage in a global conversation about the most pressing issues facing women and marginalized communities today.
The KDU vice chancellor, Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara, VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS), graced the occasion together with the Director of the Center for Gender Equality and Equity, Dr. Nirosha Wedasinghe. Dr. Thilini Wijetunga, Dr. Krishathi Anandawansa, and Dr. Hasini Rathnamalala joined as session chairs and evaluators in the conference.
Over 150 international researchers from more than 35 countries worldwide came together under the theme "Change-makers: Women’s Studies Scholar-Activism Across the Disciplines." An inspiring gathering of minds dedicated to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.
It was marked the 10th anniversary of WCWS, and reflect on the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality and women’s rights, and the challenges that still lie ahead. Through a range of dynamic and engaging sessions, this conference provided a platform for sharing ideas, forging new partnerships, and generating innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. KDU CGEE join with in this exciting and thought-provoking event as an Academic Partner , and to be part of the global movement towards a more equitable and just
https://womenstudies.co/

Delegates and Volunteers from the University of South Africa (UNISA) 🇿🇦, our academic partner for The 10th World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS 2024 Conference) , visited General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). The group included lecturers and students, making the event a grand success! 🎓🤝

We are proud to announce that KDU will be participating in the 10th World Conference on Women's Studies as an academic partner in 2024.

KDU's Grand Celebration of International Women's Day: Empowerment and Recognition

The Center for Gender Equity and Equality at KDU orchestrated a remarkable International Women's Day celebration, marked by a welcome speech from Director CGEE, Dr. Nirosha Wedasinge. This event unfolded at the FGS Auditorium of KDU with unparalleled grandeur, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, and esteemed guests Deshamanya Maniuqe Gunarathna and Dean FMSH Dr. Lakshika Liyanage. It served as a poignant reflection on women's empowerment and their pivotal role in shaping society.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence & Administration), Major General CA Wickramasinghe, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor KAS Dammika provided invaluable guidance and support for the event, ensuring its smooth ex*****on and success.
The stage was graced by prominent women leaders whose powerful speeches ignited passion and drive for gender equality, resonating deeply with the audience. Additionally, heartfelt recognition was extended to the dedicated women employees serve more than a decade of KDU, honouring their unwavering commitment and resilience.
Cultural performances highlighted the remarkable achievements of women, from traditional dances to contemporary expressions, embodying resilience, strength, and triumph. The Law faculty students captivated the audience with an outstanding drama, showcasing exceptional talent.
Dr. Krishanthi Anadawansa's touching rendition of a song dedicated to mothers left a profound impact on the audience, inspiring and moving them deeply. Dr. Gihani Jayaweera and her team led an invigorating stretching exercise session, infusing the atmosphere with energy and dynamism.
Furthermore, Dr. Nishantha Kumarasinghe, Ms. KDS Sandarenu, and Chathu Kaluarachchi's captivating rendition of the “Maname” song left the audience inspired and enthralled. The service women from the Army, Navy, and Air Force delivered an outstanding performance, adding vibrant colors and energy to the event. Sohani Weerasinghe and Isali Perera from the Faculty of Computing showcased their exceptional talent with an amazing singing performance on stage.
Volunteer support was generously provided by the BCS Student Chapter, CSSL GenZ Student Chapter, and IEEE WIE Affinity Group Student of the Faculty of Computing, enhancing the smooth running of the event with their dedication and enthusiasm.
Overall, the International Women's Day celebration at KDU was a resounding success, uniting voices and perspectives to champion women's empowerment.

International Women's Day Celebrations @ KDU
Date: March 7th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Venue: KDU FGS Auditorium
We envision your participation as an opportunity to share your insights and experiences, motivating our audience and encouraging them to further champion the cause of gender equality.

Promoting Gender Equality and Equity: Insights from CGEE's Awareness Session for New Intake 41
Gender equality and equity are fundamental principles that pave the way for a fair and just society. In an effort to foster greater awareness and understanding among its members, the Director of the Center for Gender Equity and Empowerment (CGEE) recently conducted a comprehensive session for the incoming cohort, Intake 41. This article delves into the key takeaways and significance of this enlightening session held on the 23rd and 28th of January 2024.
Understanding Gender Equality vs. Equity: Before delving into the specifics of the awareness session, it's crucial to grasp the distinction between gender equality and equity. While gender equality aims to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of gender, gender equity acknowledges that historical and societal disparities may require different approaches and resources to achieve true equality.
The gender equality and equity awareness session conducted by the Director of CGEE for Intake 41 served as a vital step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. By fostering awareness, understanding, and empowerment, participants are better equipped to challenge gender stereotypes, advocate for equality, and contribute to a society where everyone can thrive, irrespective of gender.
Through continued education, dialogue, and action, CGEE remains committed to advancing the cause of gender equality and equity, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.

Women in-ICT Special Interest Group of Computer Society of Sri Lanka- 2024 Action Planning Workshop
In a collaborative effort between the Center for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) – KDU and the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) – Women in ICT Special Interest Group (SIG), delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the Women in ICT SIG 2024 Action Planning Workshop held on December 5, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the CSSL Office OPA Building Colombo 07 - Mini Auditorium.
This groundbreaking event brought together a diverse group of professionals, experts, and enthusiasts in Women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to collaborate and strategize for the upcoming year planning 2024.
Opening Remarks were done by the Director of CGEE – Dr (Mrs) Nirosha Wedasinghe and Keynote Speaker for the Event was Fellow Member of CSSL Ms. Nayani Fernando. Further inspirational Flash Talks were done by the Ambassador for Women in Tech Sri Lanka, Ms. Chathini Uduwana, General Manager of General Manager of Sarvodaya Fusion Ms. Maithree Malwaththegoda and Founder and CEO of Makers Global, Navindree Premarathna;
Representatives from staff and student members of KDU- Faculty of Computing, representatives from various ICT industry segments, GenZ Chapters of CSSL, and representatives from private and public sector universities were participated in this workshop.
The workshop commenced with a comprehensive overview of the key trends shaping the ICT landscape in 2024.Participants gained insights into emerging technologies and industry shifts, setting the stage for informed discussions and planning. Interactive Action Planning Sessions, Engaging and hands-on sessions allowed participants to collaboratively plan and strategize for the upcoming year. Further Professionals and experts shared their expertise, contributing to actionable plans for the advancement of the ICT sector. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering valuable partnerships and collaborations. The workshop provided a platform for participants to expand their networks within the ICT community, creating opportunities for future cooperation.
Dynamic question and answer sessions facilitated direct interaction with industry leaders. Participants had the opportunity to pose questions, gain valuable insights, and engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities in the evolving ICT landscape.
The success of the Women in ICT SIG 2024 Action Planning Workshop was attributed to the active participation and collaboration of all attendees. This event not only fostered knowledge sharing but also laid the groundwork for initiatives that will shape the future of the Women ICT industry in Sri Lanka.

Title: Empowering Change: Successful Gender Equity and Equality Workshop at KDU
In a resounding stride towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable future, the KDU Canter for Gender Equity and Equality and Staff Development Centre of KDU proudly announces the successful ex*****on of a groundbreaking workshop on Gender Equality and Awareness. The event, held on the 27th of November 2023 at the Staff Development Center of KDU, saw enthusiastic participation from diverse stakeholders, including esteemed speakers and collaborators.
This transformative workshop was made possible through a collaboration the Centre for Gender Equality and Equity, and the KDU Staff Development Center. The concerted efforts of these institutions brought together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and awareness.
Distinguished Speakers:
The workshop featured eminent speakers namely:
Dr. Fize Maricar
Dr. Krishanthi Ananderwansa
Dr. Nirosha Wedasinghe
These distinguished individuals shared their insights, research findings, and experiences, contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives on gender equality. Their collective expertise illuminated the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
Key Highlights:
Interactive Sessions: The workshop was designed to be interactive, encouraging active participation and fostering engaging discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and explore practical strategies for implementing gender equality initiatives.
Collaborative Initiatives: The collaborative nature of the event underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing the cause of gender equality. The Center for Gender Equality and Equity, in conjunction with all the faculties of KDU, demonstrated the impact that can be achieved through shared commitment and collaboration.
Empowering Awareness: The workshop aimed not only to educate but also to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to promote gender equality in their respective spheres. Attendees left with a heightened awareness of the challenges faced and a renewed commitment to championing equality.
Future Steps:
As we reflect on the success of this workshop, it is crucial to acknowledge that our journey towards gender equality is ongoing. The insights gained and connections forged during this event will serve as a catalyst for future initiatives and collaborative endeavors. Kotelawala Defence University remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, the Gender Equality and Awareness workshop held in collaboration with the Center for Gender Equality and Equity and the KDU Staff Development Center was a resounding success. By bringing together experts, stakeholders, and passionate individuals, we took a significant step towards fostering a world where equality knows no bounds.

"Unleashing women’s potential in the Digital Economy with Suhuruliya 2.0!"
This National Event was launched in line with DIGIECON 2030 under the Lighting Digital Capacity Building Drive. Proudly initiated by ICTA and the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment.
Dr. (Mrs.) Nirosha Wedasinghe, the Director of CGEE at KDU, extended an invitation to take part in the discussion on the panel. Ms. Darani Abeysinghe, the CGEE Coordinator for the Faculty of Computing, took part in this event as well.