Executive Summary
Sisters-at-Law was founded by human rights lawyer Marini de Livera in August 2018 to provide legal assistance to survivors of gender-based violence in Sri Lanka. "Sisters at Law" is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and institutional violence in Sri Lanka. Our mission is to ensure that all people enjoy peace, justice, and human rights. We seek donations and support to maintain our shelters, run skills workshops, and cover legal costs.
Background Information
Founded in 2018, "Sisters at Law" has helped more than 500 survivors and beneficiaries reclaim their lives and more than 650 people to be trained in our legal awareness workshops.Our hotline assistance for victims of gender-based violence have covered more than 6335 calls.
The current economic crisis has resulted in putting women in a very vulnerable position in Sri Lanka. The crisis has badly affected the employment opportunities, income, education system and health with only a few project focusing on training and educating women to equal opportunity of employment and economic participation and their right to freedom from violence, abuse, sexual harassment and thereby achieving gender equality between men and women. Domestic and institutional violence remains a critical issue in Sri Lanka, affecting countless women and children.
As a responsible civil society organization, Sisters at Law wishes to accord damaged , hurt and broken women and children a new lease of life and realization of their hopes and dreams. Empowering beneficiaries to lead a life of dignity and function as productive citizens in a healthy democracy is our wish.
Problems and Challenges
The problems and challenges we currently face are lacks of fund and staff. There is no government or private sector support for victims of violence, we are the only registered organization that gives free legal advice appears in courts, gives psycho-social therapy and provides emergency shelter. With the high cost of living, it is extreamely difficult to provide food and comfortable accomodation to victims who seek long-term assistance at our emergency shelter. Besides, there is no sense of volunteerism in Sri Lanka,therefore the available staff is overloaded with different kinds of responsibilities. They do not have time to relax and establish a work-life balance. Our organization operates with a skeletal staff and each staff member is unable to specialize in one area because they are called upon to do different activities everyday. Therefore, with high cost and lack of staff, we are unable to respond to the needs of all the people from different parts of the island who seek help.
At the moment we are in dire need of funding to operate our shelter and conduct the education programmes of our shelter’s teenage girls.
Project Description
Project name:“Making Dreams a Reality - Educating Young Girl Survivors of Crime Towards an Empowered Future”
Through the project, we aspire to break the cycle of violence, poverty, and educational deprivation. By investing in the education and well-being of these girls, we aim to catalyze positive change, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more just and empowered society.
Our main activity is to operate the Surakshi Safe Shelter for Girls. It is a safe shelter registered with the Probation and Child Care Services Sri Lanka. This shelter is a response to the gap in long-term accommodation for survivors of violence. Hence, there is no maximum stay for our residents. Not only lodge and food can be accessed at our shelters, but also skills trainings, income generation activities and schooling support for children. In addition to that, we aim to create a community atmosphere within the shelters.
Another major activity is the Pro Bono Legal Services. Survivors of GBV and other types of violence are offered legal aid through our organization. Not only does this include free legal advice, but also pro bono representation in court. Further , we conduct Legal Awareness Programmes, which represents a commendable effort to bridge the gap between legal assistance and those who need it the most as a step towards a more equitable and compassionate society. For example, training of Tuk-Tuk drivers in collaboration with the tourist police, training of police officers and training of Probation Officers in Southern Province etc.
We believe community education and training are powerful tools for increasing awareness and promoting change. This is why we hope to educate school students from far corners of Sri Lanka about the importance of human rights, child rights and ideals of democracy and how they need to be defended, demanded and upheld by the people of Sri Lanka. We provide this training through street theatre.
Impact and Outcomes
- Primary Beneficiaries: Survivors of Domestic and Institutional Violence
Number: Over 200 survivors annually, including shelter beneficiaries and the victims seeking for legal assistance.
Location: Various regions across Sri Lanka, focusing on areas with higher rates of reported violence.
Anticipated Benefits: 1. Access to secure and supportive living environments. 2. Participation in workshops and training programs to build vocational and life skills. 3. Psychological support and medical care to aid recovery from trauma. 4. Free legal representation and education about their rights.
- Secondary Beneficiaries: Community Members and Local Organizations
Number: Around 1,000 community members, including educators, local leaders, and social workers.
Location: Various communities across Sri Lanka.
Anticipated Benefits: 1. Enhanced capacity to support survivors and advocate for human rights through training and resources. 2. Improved collaboration between local organizations, creating a more supportive environment for survivors. 3. By addressing the critical needs of survivors and extending its reach through community education and legal awareness initiatives, the project aims to create a comprehensive support system. This system fosters safety, empowerment, and resilience for women and children affected by violence in Sri Lanka, directly addressing the identified development challenges and creating lasting positive impacts.
Main Activities
1.Shelter maintenance and operation.
- Facility Upkeep
Regular maintenance of existing shelters to ensure safety and comfort.Upgrading facilities to meet the growing needs of survivors.
- Safety Protocols
Implementing and reviewing safety protocols regularly.
Conducting safety drills and training for staff and residents.
2.Conducting weekly skills training workshops.
- Curriculum Development
Develop a comprehensive curriculum covering essential skills such as sewing, jewellery making, IT literacy, English literacy and financial management.
- Workshop Implementation
Schedule weekly workshops facilitated by experienced trainers.
Provide materials and resources needed for hands-on training.
- Evaluation and Feedback
Collect feedback from participants to continuously improve the workshops.Assess the impact of the training on participants' ability to secure employment.
3. Legal support and representation.
- Pro Bono Legal Services
Provide free legal representation for survivors facing legal challenges related to human rights violations.
- Legal Awareness Programs
Conduct regular sessions to educate survivors about their rights and legal options.
- Collaboration with Legal Entities
Partner with law firms and legal aid organizations to enhance support.
Timeline
Quarter 1 (Q1)
①Shelter Maintenance:
Assess current shelter conditions.
Identify areas needing urgent repairs.
②Skills Training:
Develop training curriculum.
Recruit trainers and volunteers.
③Legal Support:
Establish partnerships with legal entities.
Set up a system for legal aid referrals.
Quarter 2 (Q2)
①Shelter Maintenance:
Begin necessary renovations and upgrades.
Implement enhanced safety protocols.
②Skills Training:
Launch the first series of workshops.
Provide necessary materials and resources.
③Legal Support:
Start offering pro bono legal services.
Conduct the first series of legal awareness programs.
Quarter 3 (Q3)
①Shelter Maintenance:
Conduct safety drills and training sessions.
Monitor and assess ongoing maintenance needs.
②Skills Training:
Collect feedback from participants.
Make necessary adjustments to the training programs.
③Legal Support:
Monitor progress of ongoing legal cases.
Provide additional legal support as needed.
Quarter 4 (Q4)
①Shelter Maintenance:
Review the effectiveness of maintenance and safety measures.
Plan for future improvements.
②Skills Training:
Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the training programs.
Plan for the next series of workshops.
③Legal Support:
Review and assess the legal support provided.
Plan for expanding legal services.
Impact and Outcomes
1.Primary Beneficiaries: Survivors of Domestic and Institutional Violence
Number: Over 200 survivors annually, including shelter beneficiaries and the victims seeking for legal assistance.
Location: Various regions across Sri Lanka, focusing on areas with higher rates of reported violence.
Anticipated Benefits: 1. Access to secure and supportive living environments. 2. Participation in workshops and training programs to build vocational and life skills. 3. Psychological support and medical care to aid recovery from trauma. 4. Free legal representation and education about their rights.
2.Secondary Beneficiaries: Community Members and Local Organizations
Number: Around 1,000 community members, including educators, local leaders, and social workers.
Location: Various communities across Sri Lanka.
Anticipated Benefits:
Enhanced capacity to support survivors and advocate for human rights through training and resources.
Improved collaboration between local organizations, creating a more supportive environment for survivors..
By addressing the critical needs of survivors and extending its reach through community education and legal awareness initiatives, the project aims to create a comprehensive support system. This system fosters safety, empowerment, and resilience for women and children affected by violence in Sri Lanka, directly addressing the identified development challenges and creating lasting positive impacts.
Budget
Item
Unit Price(£)
Quantity
Total Price
Education and Skill Training
2,160
12
25,920
Capacity Building
508
12
6,100
Legal Assistance and Awareness Programs
1,100
12
13,200
Total
45,220
Sustainability
Our long-term plan includes developing local partnerships and community programs to ensure ongoing support. We aim to become self-sufficient through various specific strategies.
1. Economic Empowerment Programs
Product Sales: Develop and market products made by the women trained in the skills workshops, such as handmade crafts, textiles, or baked goods. Create an online store or partner with local shops to sell these products, with proceeds going back into the project.
Service Provision: Offer services such as IT support, legal document preparation, or childcare provided by the trained women, generating income for both the women and the organization.
2. Community Partnerships
Local Business Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to create job opportunities for program participants. Businesses could provide internships, apprenticeships, or direct employment, enhancing the women’s economic independence.
Educational Institutions: Partner with universities and vocational schools to provide ongoing training and educational opportunities. These institutions can offer workshops, mentorship programs, and certifications that increase participants' employability.
3. Grant Writing and Fundraising
Grant Applications: Continuously apply for grants from international organizations, governments, and foundations focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and community development.
Fundraising Events: Organize annual fundraising events such as charity dinners, auctions, and benefit concerts. Engage local celebrities or influencers to increase visibility and attract donations.
4. Donor Engagement and Retention
Regular Updates: Keep donors informed about the project’s progress through quarterly newsletters, detailed reports, and success stories. Showcasing tangible outcomes will help maintain their interest and support.
Recognition Programs: Develop a recognition program for major donors, including certificates, public acknowledgments, and exclusive events. Acknowledging their contributions fosters loyalty and ongoing support.
5. Volunteer Programs
Skilled Volunteers: Recruit volunteers with specific skills such as legal expertise, marketing, counseling, and IT to contribute their time and knowledge. This reduces operational costs and enhances program quality.
Volunteer Networks: Establish a network of volunteers who can help with fundraising, awareness campaigns, and community outreach. This broadens the support base and spreads the workload.
The project will be implemented by a dedicated team comprising:
Project Manager (1): Responsible for overall project coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.
Shelter Managers (3): Oversee daily operations of the shelters, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
Counselors (4): Provide psychological support and counseling services to survivors.
Educators and Trainers (5): Develop and deliver education and skills training programs.
Legal Advisors (2): Offer pro bono legal services and conduct legal awareness workshops.
Support Staff (6): Handle administrative tasks, security, maintenance, and logistics.
This team structure ensures comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the project, from shelter management to educational and legal support.
Call to Action
To maintain our shelters and provide our wide range of services, we rely on the kind help of our supporters. Your support is vital. Whether through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, or volunteering your time, you can help us make a difference.
Contact Information
Name
Sisters at Law
Website
www.sistersatlaw.com
Phone
+94 771677556
@sistersatlawsl
@sistersatlaw in action
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