Government officials, development partners and implementing agencies met in Kilinochchi on August 19 for the second Project Steering Committee meeting of the THRIVE project, the Daily FT reported on Tuesday.
THRIVE — Together for Her: Resilience-building, Inclusivity and Voices for Equality — is funded by the Australian Government and jointly implemented by UN Women, Chrysalis and the Foundation for Innovative Social Development. It operates across six districts, working to help women build sustainable livelihoods, withstand climate and economic shocks, and move into leadership roles in their communities.
Taking the top table to the field
Now in its second year, the project held its highest governance forum in one of the districts where it actually works rather than in Colombo. The Daily FT framed the choice as a deliberate signal that decisions should be shaped by the circumstances and priorities of the women the project serves.
The committee is co-chaired by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, the Australian High Commission and UN Women Sri Lanka, and brought together national ministries, district administrations and implementing partners to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.
“THRIVE demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when government, development partners and communities work together to expand opportunities for women and strengthen resilient livelihoods,” said Nilmini Herath, Additional Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.
Laura Nicholson, Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission, said the visit was a chance “to connect with women who are leading change in their communities and to learn from their experiences”.
UN Women Sri Lanka Head of Office Ramaaya Salgado said the project contributes to gender equality “by strengthening livelihoods, supporting resilience to climate and economic shocks, and expanding opportunities for leadership and participation”.
Enterprise visits
Alongside the formal session, participants attended a townhall with local government representatives, civil society organisations and community members. Committee members also visited women-led enterprises and a Value Addition Centre, meeting entrepreneurs and hearing how their businesses are adapting to climate change and other shocks.
The Daily FT did not name the six districts the project covers, and gave no budget figure for the Australian contribution or a project end date.
