By Dinesh Weerakkody
Interview with Indrani Iriyagolle, president, interim working committee of the Eksath Lak Vanitha Peramuna (women’s wing of UNP) and working committee member, also, former vice president of the International Alliance of Women (IAW) and chairperson of the civil and political rights commission of IAW.

Q: How would you describe the women’s manifesto of the UNP? What are your expectations?

A: It is a plan of action based on party policy and complements the women’s charter approved by the UNP cabinet in 1993. The women’s charter has not yet been enacted. A UNP government will provide legislation to implement the contents of both documents.

Further, the contents of the women’s manifesto reflects the issues, proposals and women’s concerns expressed by women’s organisations, women leaders and other well-wishers.

Q: How will it help women in business or the economy?

A: The women’s manifesto provides for the establishment of women’s centres in every electorate to be called "Vanitha Diri Piyasa". Such centres will help less privileged women as a first step. Small entrepreneurs and self-employed women will benefit from several supportive services, such as entrepreneurship training, search for markets and raw materials and credit facilities. Promotion of day care centres, looking after, migrant workers families, special medical services, police units and counselling will make life easy for the business or working woman.

Under guidance and support from "Diri Piyasa" women and their capabilities will be recognised as a human resource to enhance the national economy. The state and the public would become conscious of the invisible resources of women, taking visible form. The marginalisation of women will be minimised.

Q: Will it help women only or youth, women and children?

A: "Diri Piyasa" will primarily focus on women and children (the latter wherever it is related). Young men and women, especially school leavers and single women headed households. Women sexually abused and harassed, depressed and subject to violence will benefit from a range of services that include counselling, legal advice and guidance. A response to youth problems may help lessen the so-called youth frustration and related issues.

Q: How long will all this take?

A: As soon as the ruling party is replaced by the UNP. The new approach shall be "what is best for the rich, especially in education and social welfare, must be best for the poor". The women’s manifesto will need to be implemented in phases, recognising urgent priorities first.

Q: Is this a Sri Lanka "first"?

A: It is new, of course. It is an extraordinary venture. Once carried out it will create many possibilities.

Q: In what form?

A: The manifesto provides for women’s participation in the decision-making process and politics. Within 3 years, 25% of women will be in trade union committees, boards, and other public bodies. The criteria shall be merit and competency, 25% of community development inputs shall benefit women.

Q: Who will overlook all these activities?

A: A council of 50 women will act as a consultative committee to parliament and a women’s executive to oversee implementation measures.

Q: Are you optimistic about the proposals?

A: Yes, very much so. It is from women, for the women of the country. We hope to utilise the services of women with capabilities and experience. Women should never give up!