Sonali Silva
Co Chair
Being a SheDecides Champion means standing at the forefront of a global movement for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. It embodies a commitment to advocating for gender equality, challenging harmful norms, and ensuring that women and girls can make their own choices about their bodies and futures. It’s about leading with passion and conviction, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful change through policy, education, and community engagement. As a Champion, I am dedicated to amplifying voices, dismantling barriers, and striving for a world where everyone’s rights and choices are respected and upheld.
How we are working so SheDecides
As a SheDecides Champion, my focus includes strengthening CSO engagement and empowering youth activists to work effectively with institutions. I serve as a spokesperson on abortion rights, advocating in global, regional, and national forums. Additionally, I am dedicated to fundraising for grassroots initiatives, ensuring that critical, on-the-ground efforts receive the support they need to drive meaningful change.
Demand for Safe Abortion: Insights from Online Consultations Submitted by Sri Lankan Women
I am conducting ongoing research on abortion in Sri Lanka. One project, Demand for Safe Abortion: Insights from Online Consultations Submitted by Sri Lankan Women, focuses on identifying common barriers mentioned in online consultations, such as legal, social, and economic challenges. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Women on Web and Gisela Foz, former SheDecides young leader, to provide insights into the needs and challenges faced by women seeking abortion services in Sri Lanka.
Lead at Santani Foundation: A Pioneer Private Philanthropy in Sri Lanka
As the Lead at Santani Foundation, one of the pioneering private philanthropies in Sri Lanka, I oversee initiatives focused on cultural preservation, climate action, and gender equality. Our work is rooted in supporting local communities and empowering underrepresented groups, while promoting sustainable development. Key projects include preserving traditional Sri Lankan arts and rituals, advocating for climate resilience, and championing gender equality through various social initiatives and collaborations with local and global partners.
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Project Consultant mapping CSO engagement with WHO
This project focuses on mapping the engagement between civil society organisations (CSOs) and the WHO’s Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (PUA) Unit. The aim is to enhance collaboration by identifying key CSOs, their activities, and how they align with WHO’s goals to reduce unsafe abortions globally. Through this mapping, WHO PUA seeks to strengthen partnerships, improve communication, and support CSOs in low- and middle-income countries in addressing reproductive health challenges and improving access to safe abortion services.