Women fighting corruption

Corruption has become a way of life in Sri Lanka. Corruption and abuse of power for personal gain are accepted and sadly ‘we’ have come to accept it, thinking that it is too difficult to change. It is however heartening to note that a few determined women are trying to change this situation. The Sri Lanka Women’s Conference (SLWC) organised a workshop titled “Women Working Towards a Corrupt Free Society” on their members’ day which also coincided with the World Anti-Corruption week. It was held on December 13 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

Speaking at a press conference held recently, project chairperson Ranee Ratnayake said “Corruption is not merely taking a bribe. Anytime someone abuses power for personal gain, it is corruption.” Explaining the rationale behind organizing such a programme, she said that the objective was to empower women with knowledge so that they know when they are being taken advantage of.