Despite the challenges posed by donor restrictions and funding limitations, NPC will be entering a new phase of the Women Organized for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) project, which will run from May 2025 to April 2026 with continued support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
The new phase allows the project to sustain and expand its work with women and youth leaders across the seven districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Polonnaruwa.
The focus remains centered on two core objectives. The first is to strengthen sub-national women leaders, both existing and emerging, by enabling them to become effective voices for their communities. Key activities under this objective include supporting women leaders to resolve pressing community and reconciliation issues, carrying out joint initiatives with youth to promote intergenerational cooperation and organizing collaborative interventions across neighbouring districts. These efforts aim to build stronger local leadership, foster unity and create platforms for strategic problem solving across communities.
The second objective focuses on building solidarity across districts to support national level advocacy. As part of this, needs based training and information sessions will be tailored to the evolving political and social context. A national campaign will be launched built on the insights and experiences of the clustered interventions with a special emphasis on promoting the effective implementation of the 25% women’s quota in political participation.
A national symposium will bring together 125 women leaders and key stakeholders offering a powerful space for dialogue, learning and showcasing the positive outcomes of local initiatives. To further amplify these voices, a video documentary will be produced capturing the stories, struggles and aspirations of women leaders and the communities they serve.
The new phase marks a renewed commitment to inclusive governance and community driven change. Through the collective efforts of women leaders, youth, and community allies the project looks forward to continuing its work of empowering marginalised voices and building a more inclusive future for Sri Lanka.