What we do

For the past 16 years the Association of War Affected Women has been working on sustainable peace building in Sri Lanka. In order to achieve our goal we do work with many stakeholders throughout the country and beyond, we have worked with women, men and youth of the country in all districts to reform many issues such as human rights, governance and democracy as well conflict transformation and peace building. We also have worked extensively on peace, security and development issues mainly from women’s perspective. We have implemented a policy brief on “Women’s Role in Post war Reconciliation- from Rhetoric to Action” on women’s day to hand over to His Excellency the president. Our outreach and work experience has covered many women politicians as well individuals in all strata and our biggest achievement is the trust of the people we have gained.

AWAW has been working on women peace and security agenda before UNSCR 1325 was passed.

Why in a womens’ perspective.?

When it comes to war and violence women are the most Women are the most affected either directly or indirectly due to it. These affected women can be classified in to two main groups. The first is women whose next of kin is dead, disabled or missing in action, the other is the next of kin who is a civilian has befallen to one of these unfortunate situations due to the war.  The main objective of our Association is to help these women to integrate in to the society from their isolated situation by addressing their social,economical and mental problems. And achieve Peace through Socio-Economic development with the active participation of the War Affected Women.

“She, who like mother earth, feels the comforts as well as the woes and discomforts of human society;

She is at times an affectionate mother; a loving wife; a compassionate sister; a doting friend; an adoring daughter.

World renown philosopher Maxim Gorky once said that all that is beautiful in man, is derived from the sun’s rays and from his mother’s milk. It is a popular belief that behind every successful man is a woman.

Who else but a sister would equally share in your sorrow and happiness? Can true friendship be priced? She who ascertains the sustenance of society, she who gives meaning to life is a daughter. ..she is the bearer..

(DARANNI)