Prevalence, causes and mechanisms in addressing violence against women (VAW) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Women have become main contributors to the societies across the world as they play multitasking roles in their families. Although they have gained achieved great heights, when it comes to both the private and public spheres, we can identify that some women are discriminated and marginalized. In this context in the present world many countries including Sri Lanka have understood the importance of women‟s empowerment and have implemented a number of policies and mechanisms to protect women from violence against women (VAW). Even in the presence of such actions, the rates of VAW are high in numbers. Therefore, in this context it is very essential to examine the root causes for this situation. This research examines the level of awareness in the general public on VAW, based on the three different contextual areas in the country. Through this research findings, an attempt has been made to draw attention to how human rights education can be used to eliminate VAW.