Virtual Launch: The ACCEND Project produces Trilingual Gender-based report on Health and Life Experiences in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector, in partnership with ADRA, Oxfam and the European Union.

Colombo – Oxfam in Sri Lanka and ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency International) in collaboration with the European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives will virtually launch the report “Health and Life Experiences of the Ambagamuwa DS Division: A Gender-based Study” (HLEAD) on the 4th of June, 2021. The report addresses gaps in existing research by providing a concentrated perspective of the general health needs of women and the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Sri Lanka’s plantation and estate communities within the Ambagamuwa District Secretariat Division. A virtual launch will be hosted on ADRA and Oxfam’s Facebook pages at 4pm on Friday, the 4th of June marking the conclusion of an online advocacy campaign. The launch includes an online panel discussion with Dr. Lakshman Senanayake (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist) and Dr. Nethanjalie Mapitigama (National Programme Manager: Gender and Women’s Health Programme).

The findings of the trilingual report highlight patterns in thematic areas such as menstrual health and hygiene, family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and mental well-being. The qualitative and quantitative nature of the report provides an indication towards areas requiring greater attention to inform future project initiatives. Trilingual copies of the HLEAD report can be accessed on the Oxfam in Sri Lanka and ADRA websites.

The report is produced as part of the ongoing ACCEND (Assisting Communities in Creating Environmental and Nutritional Development) Project as a joint effort between ADRA and Oxfam; funded by the EU and in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka. Since 2017, the ACCEND project remains committed towards strengthening communities and public institutions by developing better service delivery systems in key areas such as access to clean water, sanitation, health and nutrition, gender, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and environment protection. Current project locations include Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Monaragala.