The 4th ELEVATE Film Screening took place on February 18 at Eastern University of Sri Lanka, focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Preventing Cyber Gender-Based Violence (CGBV) in the university context. Organized by the CMIL in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) of the University Grants Commission (UGC), and hosted by the Gender Centre of the Eastern University, and the Faculty of Arts and Culture, the event featured ten short films created by female undergraduates.

The screening provided a platform for critical discussions on gender-based challenges in universities. Prof. S. Jeyasankar, the panel chair attached to the Faculty of Arts and Culture, stated, “Gender hierarchy is neither natural nor biological; it is a societal construct. We have the responsibility and the right to transform it from negative to positive.”

The panel discussion included insights from Dr. Bhagya Karunarathna, Senior Lecturer attached to the Faculty of Science who emphasized the importance of action over empathy in addressing gender issues, and Dr. Vaithehi Rajeewan Francis from the Medical Faculty, highlighted the need for understanding and compassion. Prof. Prabha Manuratne, Director for the CGEE, UGC called for universities to actively combat violence, stating, “Sexual violence or any kind of violence is an expression of power.”

The event with a participation of 400 students, reinforced the importance of film as a tool for advocacy, encouraging universities to foster gender equity and inclusivity.