Mobilizing Youth Ambassadors to Advocate for Women’s Political Representation

In a significant stride toward fostering gender equality and empowering the next generation of leaders, the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA) recently hosted a transformative two-day awareness session. The program, held in collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and supported by Global Affairs Canada under the Partnership for Municipal Innovations – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) project, focused on increasing women’s representation in local councils. By targeting youth groups from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, and Hatton, the initiative aimed to form youth advocates for gender-inclusive governance.

The event brought together 60 youth ambassadors, comprising 40 women and 20 men, united by a shared commitment to champion women’s political representation and decision-making roles. These changemakers were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to challenge societal norms, advocate for gender equality, and secure voter support for women candidates in upcoming local government elections. The overarching goal was to inspire community-wide transformation, fostering an inclusive political landscape that values diverse representation.

The youth ambassadors launched outreach programs in January within their localities.  The activities included vibrant social media campaigns, impactful street dramas, and sensitization programs that underscored the importance of electing women to local councils.

The initiative placed inclusivity at its core, striving to:

• Address gender biases and encourage active participation in governance.
• Engage young people from rural and underserved areas to amplify their voices.
• Advocate for gender equity across diverse ethnic groups, fostering a more inclusive governance framework.
• Tackle barriers to political involvement and promote equitable representation.

The program has already yielded tangible results:

• Awareness Building - Youth ambassadors successfully shifted public perceptions in their communities, garnering increased support for women’s leadership.
• Youth Empowerment - Participants emerged as influential agents of change, taking active roles in political discourse.
• Challenging Stereotypes - By sparking conversations on gender equality, the program began dismantling societal norms that limit women’s roles.
• Sustainable Advocacy - The initiative laid the groundwork for ongoing community engagement, with ambassadors dedicated to promoting inclusivity beyond the project’s duration.

• Kandy Group - "Fifty Fifty in Politics" Campaign
  This group advocated for 50% women’s representation in local elections through community gatherings, visual boards, and social media outreach. Engaging with 150 individuals from diverse backgrounds, they received positive feedback and heightened community support for women candidates.
• Nuwara Eliya Group – Street Drama Awareness Program
  Using street drama, this group educated communities on women’s political rights. Their performances, interactive discussions, and informational leaflets reached over 1,000 individuals, fostering widespread support for women’s leadership.
• Trincomalee Group - Inspire Trinco Initiative
  This group focused on increasing women’s voter attendance and promoting gender equality. Through street drama and live audience interactions, they enhanced voter awareness and bolstered support for women candidates.
• Mannar - Happy Voice Hub

This group focused on training 150 community leaders and activists in leadership and communication skills to promote women's political participation. A series of workshops provided tools for advocacy and emphasized the importance of voting for women candidates.

• Gampola - A Place for Her Too

The Gampola-based initiative aimed to double women’s political representation. With a team of 20 diverse members, the group conducted discussions to address community concerns.

Hanguranketha - Community Empowerment Youth Organization

This group organized an awareness program targeting villagers above 50 years. Through interactive sessions, they highlighted the significance of women’s leadership in decision-making and formed a new committee to ensure sustained advocacy.

The collective efforts of these youth groups have ignited vital discussions about gender equality and governance within their communities. By challenging entrenched stereotypes and rallying support for women leaders, they have laid a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable change. Their impactful outreach activities, conducted throughout January, have advanced the vision of an inclusive political landscape that revels and values women’s contributions to leadership.

This initiative highlights FSLGA’s steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering youth to be catalysts for societal transformation. By equipping young leaders with the knowledge and tools to advocate for women’s participation in governance, the program has significantly contributed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political environment.

These youth ambassadors exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, education, and grassroots advocacy. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a brighter future—one that embraces diversity, champions equality, and empowers women to take their rightful place in leadership and decision-making roles.