Rural Women can now look towards a better future

“For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women.” – Elizabeth Blackwell, USA’s first female physician.

The Women’s Enterprise and Empowerment Sector of FoG held their 7th graduation ceremony at the MCC on December 30, 2010. It commenced at 2.00pm and the ceremony was graced by a very special lady in Sri Lanka today, a lady who has defined the true meaning of success in women – Honourable Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane. Honourable Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane graced the event by lighting the oil lamp as Chief Guest. It was followed by Kushil Gunasekera, FoG Founder / Trustee also attended the event as well as Sector Manager Asiri Suranga, Lecturers Rasika Krishanthi, Rangi, Lakshika, Volga Subhashini, Dhammika Rohini, Venura Sajith, Asiri Jayawardena, Thilaka Ranjini including two students and Fazana Ibrahim.

It was a clear fact that the graduates had slaved endlessly to display their talents in the culinary field. Fried rice, devilled fish, pasta, fish buns, pizza, Vienna buns, sausage rolls, egg burgers, pastries, jam tarts, éclairs, doughnuts, cookies, sponge cake, coconut cake, jelly tarts, croissants and sweet rolls adorned the table at the Women’s Sector. While these students had displayed their culinary flair, other students showed off their beautifully sewn curtains which were hung on display.

Apart from the curtains, students showed off their talents in beeralu lace items, candle making, patchwork, beauty culture and bridal dressing. There were well crafted beeralu lace jackets, table clothes, table mats and cushion covers. Candles of various shapes were also displayed, some of which were scented or mixed with sand, dry flowers and leaves. The curtains on display were sewn in various designs with loops, rings, pleats to suit any modern house.
The welcome speech was delivered by Kushil Gunasekera. In his speech, he stressed that rural women need to grow and develop successfully unlike in the past. He said that it is very important to practice what you preach and putting it simply, to be a role model in society. He also stated that in the end, we are left with the good and the bad, we have done.  Most of the economy depends on women - tea industry- 80%, rubber industry - 65% and most women are with the garments industry - 90%.  Even university students are - 80% females.
He mentioned it is of utmost importance that any person present at a job interview must have a cheerful smile and the smile can demonstrate a good attitude to begin with. “Beauty is not only in makeup and dressing, it is your thoughts, deeds, feelings - the inner beauty that creates true radiance in a person's outer appearance. It is imperative to cleanse your heart by eliminating the defilements and negative emotions substituting with  good, positive  and beautiful emotions.” – further stressed Kushil. As always, Kushil’s speeches are full of golden wisdom and he always has something new to mention in his speeches.

When it came to the bridal dressing, beautiful brides sat alongside the students and guests at the ceremony and they were absolutely stunning. There were Kandyan, Indian, Western dressed brides along with the highlight of the day - a Hindu Bride which captured the undivided attention of all the guests. Certificates were distributed by Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Kushil Gunasekera, Asiri Suranga, and Fazana Ibrahim. There was also a slide presentation by Sector Manager Asiri Suranga to explain and introduce all the projects that are done at the Women's Enterprise and Empowerment Sector at FoG. This presentation also included all the success stories of all who have graduated in the past.

The students who have graduated in the past years have come from 26 surrounding villagers and not only from Seenigama.

Next, Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane delivered a unique speech along with a slide presentation that she presented and highlighted on the importance of a woman in a family as she is the nerve centre of any family. She also mentioned that it is important to learn and possess the knowledge about women's rights and different ways of abuse, especially domestic violence on women has to be stopped. The importance of respecting each other and women are in high places in the society today. Class division has to be eradicated. Saving for the future is in the hands of women, as the village is known to have abusive drinking husbands. Equality does not exist as the term is only heard and said and not put to practice. Women are seen as victims and criticized even when they work hard till late night in the apparel industry specially returning home after a hard day at work. It is a well known fact that the apparel industry contributes greatly to the Sri Lankan economy.
The vote of thanks was delivered by a student who expressed her satisfaction in enjoying her classes and how she is empowered with knowledge to bring an income to her family. The very talented teachers were applauded namely Volga, Ranjini, Mallika, Rasika, Venura and Asiri and also not forgetting their Sector Manager Asiri Suranga and the great force behind all the success - Kushil Gunasekera.
As in every class, beneficiaries have completed many community service projects that are very valuable to the village community - some are donating funds for eye surgeries and building a kitchen for a needy family.

“I believe that the true road to preeminent success in any line is to make yourself master of that line.” – Andrew Carnegie.  

By Sarah Kellapatha

2011.01.27