Support University Girl Students in Sri Lanka

Building on our February workshop on cyber and gender-based violence legal awareness, which reached university girl students with sessions on Sri Lankan cyber law and practical online safety strategies, Save a Life continues to work toward making that program a lasting resource for young women rather than a one-time event.

Over the past weeks, our focus has been on planning the program's expansion to additional universities, as students who attended the February sessions asked for the same training to reach their peers on other campuses. We are also developing more advanced follow-up content with legal and cybersecurity experts, building on the strong engagement and questions raised during the original workshop.

We have begun laying the groundwork for peer support networks within campuses, so that students who have completed the training can help mentor and support others navigating similar concerns around online safety and legal protections. This peer-to-peer approach responds directly to what participants told us they wanted: an ongoing support system, not just a single session.

We are also exploring digital awareness content that can extend the reach of this program beyond in-person workshops, so that key safety information remains accessible to students even between formal sessions.

We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving and our supporters for making this work possible. Your continued support allows us to keep building a safer, more informed university environment for young women across Sri Lanka.

1. Introduction

During this reporting period, Save a Life implemented initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering university girl students across Sri Lanka. With the generous support of GlobalGiving, the project focused on raising awareness of cyber safety, gender-based violence, and legal protections available to young women. The initiative sought to create a safer academic and digital environment while strengthening students’ confidence and knowledge.

2. Key Activities

Report on Cyber & Gender-Based Violence Legal Awareness Workshop

A focused awareness session was conducted on Wednesday, 25th February from 1.00 PM to 3.00 PM to educate university girl students on critical issues affecting their safety and well-being. The first session (1.00 PM – 2.00 PM) on Cyber & Gender-Based Violence – Legal Aspects provided an overview of Sri Lankan laws related to cybercrime and gender-based violence, helping students understand different forms of abuse, legal consequences for offenders, and the importance of reporting incidents and seeking legal support.

Workshop on Cyber Security & Online Safety: Practical Strategies for University Students

Session 2 (2.00 PM – 3.00 PM) focused on Cyber Security & Online Safety, where students were guided through practical strategies to stay safe in digital spaces, including identifying cyber threats, protecting personal data, and using online platforms responsibly. The session equipped participants with essential knowledge to safeguard themselves, understand their digital rights, and confidently engage online. Overall, the participation was highly encouraging, with active engagement and meaningful discussions throughout the program.

3. Challenges Faced

• Limited Outreach Capacity:
  Due to resource constraints, the program could not yet be expanded to multiple universities nationwide.
• Awareness Gaps:
  Some participants initially had limited understanding of legal frameworks and cyber safety practices.
• Sensitive Nature of the Topic:
  Addressing gender-based violence required careful facilitation to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

4. Impact on the Community

• Enhanced Knowledge and Awareness:
  Participants gained a clearer understanding of cyber risks, legal rights, and available protections.
• Improved Online Safety Practices:
  Students are now better equipped to identify and prevent cyber threats.

• Empowerment and Confidence Building:
  The sessions encouraged young women to speak up, seek help, and support one another in addressing gender-based issues.

5. Plans for Next Phase

• Expand the program to additional universities across Sri Lanka
• Conduct advanced workshops with legal and cybersecurity experts
• Establish peer support networks within campuses
• Develop awareness campaigns using digital platforms

6. Acknowledgment

We extend our sincere gratitude to GlobalGiving and all our supporters for their continued trust and support. Their contribution enables us to empower young women, promote safer environments, and create meaningful impact in the lives of university students across Sri Lanka.