The Revolutionary Existence for Human Development (RED) commemorated the 115th International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, with great enthusiasm in the Katunayake Awariyawattha area, which was adorned with purple flags in honor of the occasion.
The event began with a joint protest at the Awariyawattha junction, organized in collaboration with four sister organizations, followed by a march to Hotel Dilshan, the scheduled venue.
Along the route, RED symbolically opened a public tap at Kovinna,handing it over to FTZ workers to underscore the importance of access to basic amenities.
The gathering attracted over 100 participants, including widows, single mothers, and young female workers, reflecting the organization’s vision and mission.
The ceremony opened with a traditional dance performed by the daughters of a staff member, setting a vibrant tone. Speeches were delivered by RED’s Executive Directress and guest speaker Ms. Pushpa Padma Kanthi, Directress of the organization Sawithri.
Interspersed with these addresses, members showcased their talents through dramas and songs, with a particularly impactful short drama by Tamil members from Vavuniya highlighting how the evils of digitalization affecting young girls.
The event resonated with slogans addressing the realities of working women, emphasizing exploitation, suppression, and depression. Aligned with the IWD 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the gathering passed resolutions advocating for women’s rights, crèches for FTZ workers’ children, and a robust social security system to safeguard workers during epidemics or natural disasters like COVID-19. As a token of appreciation, RED distributed souvenirs to all attendees, and the event concluded with spirited slogans envisioning a better tomorrow for all women.
