To commemorate International Women’s Day 2022, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is proud to announce the launch of ‘e-diriya’, a mobile application that provides information on CMC services and other essential public services available to women. The application highlights the commitment of the CMC to the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – #BreakTheBias: “Imagine a gender equal world” and reiterates the importance of access to information in transforming the lives of women.
With information, people can better access government services, participate in public life, and hold their government accountable. Access to information is a fundamental human right and an enabling right that supports individuals to exercise the full spectrum of their social, economic, and political rights. The Right to Information is particularly important for women as it serves to promote gender equality and bridge the gender gap.
The launch of the application showcases the CMC’s commitment to promoting women’s rights in Sri Lanka, while setting an example to other Local Government Authorities.
“e-diriya” is a one stop application, specifically targeting women living in the Colombo city limits, that provides vital information on the services provided to women by the CMC and includes information on livelihoods, maternal care, employment opportunities, pre-schooling and recreational services. The app also connects women with the nearest police station within the Colombo city limits in case of an emergency. Marking the occasion Honorable Mayor Mrs. Rosy Senanayaka said “As a Municipal Council headed by a woman, we are proud to showcase the many services that the CMC have to offer. Easy access to these services through the app would improve the economic and social wellbeing of women in the City of Colombo. Additional information would ensure their safety as they as they conduct their daily lives within the city”. The launch of the application will be followed by an extensive media campaign to inform women and the general public on how to use the application.
The “e-diriya” initiative is part of the Inform Women Transform Lives global campaign initiated by The Carter Center. The Colombo Municipal Council is part of 13 cities from 5 continents, including: Amman, Jordan; Atlanta, USA; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago, USA; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dhaka North, Bangladesh; Dublin, Ireland; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Kampala, Uganda; Lima, Peru; Monrovia, Liberia; and São Paulo, Brazil.
