Government has taken significant steps to combat gender-based violence and enhance social welfare – State Minister

State Minister for Women, Children Affairs, and Social Empowerment Geeta Kumarasinghe, during a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), today (10) focusing on the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ said that in response to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directives, significant measures have been taken to address gender-based violence.

Minister Geeta Kumarasinghe stressed that the government has undertaken preparations to introduce three pivotal bills aimed at preventing gender-based violence. These legislative measures, including the Gender Equality Act, the National Commission for Women Act, and the Women’s Empowerment Act, are vital steps in promoting gender equality and safety.

She added that the government is also placing special emphasis on the social security of women. As part of this commitment, plans are underway to establish women’s care centres across ten districts, providing a secure environment for women in need, while a 24/7 emergency hotline, 1938, has been introduced, allowing women to seek assistance and report incidents confidentially.