Happy International Women's Day! At ADRA Sri Lanka, gender sensitivity and mainstreaming are at the core of our mission. We recognize that gender inequality is a pervasive issue that affects women and girls in all aspects of their lives, including their health, education, and economic opportunities. As an organization, we are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women through our programs and initiatives. We believe that by addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by women and girls, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. One way in which ADRA works towards this goal is through our advocacy for menstrual hygiene product accessibility. We recognize that access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic human right and essential for women's health and well-being. Unfortunately, many women and girls in Sri Lanka lack access to these products due to financial barriers and societal stigma. Through our research, funded by the European Union through ACCEND Project implemented in collaboration with OXFAM, ADRA was able to make a strong case for reducing taxes on menstrual hygiene products and increasing their availability. This change has made a significant difference in the lives of women nation-wide, and we will continue to advocate for policies that promote gender equality and empower women. By prioritizing gender sensitivity and mainstreaming in our work, we are working towards a world where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. #IWD2023 #WomenEmpowerment #MenstrualHygiene #ADRAsrilanka #Europeanunion #OXFAM #ACCEND

ADRA’s Addressing the Immediate and Medium-term Needs of the Rural & Estate Communities in Creating Environmental and Nutritional Development (AIM-RECCEND) project will be implemented in the rural and estate communities in the Uva and Central Provinces with funding from the European Union and implemented in partnership with ADRA UK and the government of Sri Lanka. The primary outcome of the AIM-RECCEND is to strengthen communities and public institutions towards an integrated, mutually accountable service delivery system in the WASH and health sector. This project will support vulnerable rural and estate communities with increased access to WASH facilities, improved personal hygiene and sanitation practices, and community-driven services managed in collaboration with strengthened public authorities as well as improved health and nutritional status through increased access to proper healthcare, knowledge, and practices. The 12-month emergency response project runs December 2022 to November 2023. #adrasrilanka

On January 13th 2023 ADRA donated school supplies to 110 disadvantaged children at Bopagoda Primary School in Bopagoda, Akuressa Matara District. Inflation and the current economic conditions across Sri Lanka have made school supplies unaffordable for many families, hampering children’s ability to gain a quality education. The School Principal expressed his gratitude for the school supplies and for the generosity of ADRA and its donors that made the donation possible. #adra #adrasrilanka #adrasrilankahelpinghands #education

The ACCEND project has constructed 20 job site restrooms (JSSR) in 10 estate divisions. These JSSRs consist of a latrine and a resting area and are strategically located within the estates. Through this initiative, tea pluckers have greatly benefited, since they can use the washroom whenever they want without having to go home. In addition, they use the resting area for meals, to rest, and to enjoy a cup of tea in the evening. Check the link in the bio to learn more.

The ACCEND Project strove to create healthier and cleaner communities by increasing knowledge regarding #personalhygiene among children and adults through #CHAST and #PHAST training programs respectively. Click the link in the bio to learn more.

We refurbished 250 existing hand pumps and constructed 100 new hand pumps in rural communities of the Matale and Monaragala districts through our ACCEND project. These hand pumps are now providing clean water to these communities. Click the link in the bio to learn more.

Access to safe and proper #sanitation is no longer a luxury for Chandra Kumari and her family. Their household is among the 400 households that recieved latrines through our ACCEND project. Click the link in the bio to watch their story.

Geethani has been able to maintain her organic home garden even amidst the arid weather thanks to the knowledge and insight she gained from the home gardening trainings conducted by our ACCEND project. Click the link in the bio to watch how the ACCEND project influenced her to start a home garden and how she and her family benefitted out of it.

#PeriodPoverty is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka. Our ACCEND project approached the issue in various ways. The project raised awareness regarding #sexualreproductivehealth and #menstrualhygiene among communities, improved infrastructure to better support women and girls and carried out a campaign to lobby the government to reduce the exorbitant taxes imposed on sanitary products. Learn more about how we addressed period poverty by clicking the link in the bio.

Swipe to learn how our home gardens have benefited communities. 👈 Photos: @ruvin.photo

Uma Maheshwary is an award-winning entrepreneur from Mannar. Her business which began with just little support and limited resources has now evolved into a successful enterprise. The third phase of ADRA Sri Lanka’s LESS project supported her by providing her the infrastructure and the resources she needed to develop her business. According to Uma, her income has skyrocketed significantly after ADRA’s intervention. Amid the current economic crisis, Umar is working extremely hard to expand her business. Her perseverance and commitment are awe-inspiring and are influencing many others in her community. Read the full story through the link in the bio. #Livelihoods #RefugeeReturnees

ADRA and @oxfamsrilanka through their jointly implemented ACCEND project held a research symposium recently to launch and discuss its research report on #undernutrition among #children below the age of 5 in estate and rural communities of the Nuwara Eliya District. This study aims to investigate nutrition outcomes following an enhanced nutrition care package developed by the Medical Research Institute. Various representatives from the health sector, the Department of National Planning, and the European Union Delegation were present at the event. The ACCEND project is funded by @euinslandmv