A virtual discussion was held among university academics in Sri Lanka on the importance of addressing issues related to Cyber Gender-Based Violence (CGBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) within Sri Lankan government universities.

The Centre for Media and Information Literacy organized this discussion as part of the ELEVATE project—a short film initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of female filmmakers to advocate for SRHR and combat CGBV within the university system in Sri Lanka. The project seeks to empower female filmmakers to produce powerful narratives on these issues and promote inclusive policies to protect female graduates, boosting their confidence to speak openly about the challenges they face.

During the discussion, academics shared their observations on several vital issues. An academic from the University of Jaffna highlighted the prevalence of SRHR and CGBV issues within the Sri Lankan university system and the urgent need to confront cultural barriers hindering progress. She mentioned that female university graduates often do not speak out due to fear of peers and potential backlash. Cultural restrictions and associated stigma further silence many girls, underscoring the need to empower them to openly discuss their lived challenges.

Moreover, it was revealed that some female graduates lack confidence in voicing their SRHR concerns due to peer pressure. An academic based in the Eastern province emphasized the importance of addressing peer pressure and creating a confidential environment where girls feel safe to express their concerns. While many girls confide in their trusted peers, some still remain silent. The discussion highlighted those creative arts, like filmmaking, could help address these social norms. Girls at all levels should be encouraged to voice their critical opinions and share their experiences with SRHR and CGBV within the university system.

The establishment of gender cells at universities was acknowledged as a bold step. These cells involve close collaboration between students and administration, strengthening mechanisms for collective good. Increasingly, university girls are lodging complaints with gender cells, although a significant number still do not recognize the importance of engaging with these cells to resolve issues.

The discussion also led to the ELEVATE Short Film Making Project, which is dedicated to advancing SRHR among participants. This project integrates filmmaking into research assignments to collect solid evidence, case studies, and data on ongoing issues, enabling filmmakers to incorporate these insights into their films. This approach was suggested by several participants to better enlighten them on SRHR and CGBV topics.

The one-hour discussion concluded with the aim of bridging gaps in understanding and implementation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and proactive response to CGBV and SRHR in Sri Lanka’s university communities. Twelve university academics from various Sri Lankan universities attended this discussion.