In celebration of International Tea Day 2026, themed “Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities” with a global focus on “Fostering Growth and Inclusion,” Janathakshan organized a Gender Mainstreaming Training and Introduction to Gender Mainstreaming Guideline workshop on 19th May 2026 at the Grand Monarch.
The workshop was conducted under the project “Partnerships and Innovative Financing to Mainstream Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Management in the Wet Climatic Zone of Sri Lanka,” with the objective of strengthening inclusive approaches within biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and plantation sector interventions.
A total of 35 project stakeholders, including project experts and officers from government institutions closely working with the project, actively participated in the session. The workshop created a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, reflection, and discussion on the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in sustainable development initiatives.
The sessions were facilitated by Janathakshan Gender Expert Thilini Kodagoda and CEO/Executive Director Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, who guided participants through key concepts related to gender, social inclusion, intersectionality, and practical approaches for integrating gender-responsive strategies into project implementation.
The workshop agenda included interactive presentations, group discussions, case-study analyses, and practical exercises focusing on gender mainstreaming within plantation communities, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management. Participants actively engaged in group work and discussions, sharing experiences and identifying inclusive solutions to challenges faced by vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Special emphasis was placed on ensuring equitable participation and promoting the principle of “leaving no one behind” through the newly introduced Gender Mainstreaming Guideline. The guideline aims to support project staff, government agencies, community institutions, and field-level facilitators in integrating inclusive and gender-responsive approaches throughout the project cycle.
The workshop also highlighted the important role women play within Sri Lanka’s plantation sector and discussed the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by plantation communities, particularly women and vulnerable groups. Topics such as access to resources, workplace safety, decision-making, nutrition, transportation, and biodiversity conservation were explored in depth during the sessions.
Aligned with the spirit of International Tea Day 2026, the event reinforced Janathakshan’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future by empowering communities and integrating gender equality into environmental and development initiatives.
Through such collaborative engagements, Janathakshan continues to strengthen partnerships and promote inclusive development pathways that support both people and the planet.
