FISD successfully hosted the International Conference on Gender and Climate Justice at the Ramada Hotel, Colombo, bringing together national and international experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the intersection of gender equality and climate resilience. The conference, chaired by Prof. M.T.M. Mahees (Former General Secretary-FISD), was inaugurated by Prof. Upali Pannilage, the Cabinet Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.
Positioned as part of the global #AccelerateAction momentum stemming from International Women’s Day 2025, the conference sought to extend that call into the realm of climate leadership, amplifying women’s voices, championing inclusive dialogue, and accelerating gender-equitable climate solutions. The event served as a vibrant platform for knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and network-strengthening at the intersection of gender and climate justice, with its objectives spanning the exploration of gendered climate impacts, particularly around drought and water scarcity, the role of women in environmental governance, the promotion of ecofeminism as a guiding framework, and the advancement of policies that protect and empower women in climate justice movements.
The conference drew significant academic and professional interest, evidenced by the large volume of research abstracts submitted in response to the open call. Following a rigorous review process by a dedicated panel, 57 abstracts were published and presented under five main domains, 1. Women and Natural Disasters, 2. Political Ecology, Gender and Water Rights, 3. Women and Climate Resilience, 4. Climate Change, Food Security and Gender, and 5. Ecofeminism and Climate Justice.
The conference opened with a high-level panel discussion on Gender and Climate Justice, featuring distinguished panelists including Dr. Ayomi Witharana, Ms. Samitha Sugathimala, Mr. Menake Wijesinghe, Ms. S.D.R. Tennakoon, and Ms. Luxshe Hariharan, whose insights set a rich intellectual tone for the day, featuring experts from academia, government, and civil society. The event further enriched the day, focusing on bridging policy gaps and amplifying local voices in climate decision-making.
Adding a creative dimension to the conference, FISD celebrated World Children’s Day 2024 by recognizing winners of its Short Story Writing Competition held under the theme “Children and Nature.” The competition engaged young writers from the Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Hambantota, and Kandy Districts, inspiring them to express their connection to the environment. The winners of the Short Story Writing Competition were honoured at the event and received FISD’s short story collection “Mihikathage Daruwo,” which was also presented to guests as a symbol of nurturing environmental awareness among youth.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to advancing gender responsive climate action in Sri Lanka. FISD reaffirmed its dedication to promoting gender equality and environmental justice, emphasizing that sustainable progress depends on inclusivity, collaboration, and compassion.