Women’s Leadership Essential for Global Survival, Says Sri Lankan Prime Minister at Commonwealth Women’s Forum

Women’s leadership is no longer simply a goal of achieving gender equality but has become an essential condition for global survival, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has said.

She made these remarks while addressing the opening session of the first plenary of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, held on November 2, 2026, in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme “Advancing Gender Equality: Investing in a Prosperous and Resilient Commonwealth.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing challenges facing women worldwide, including geopolitical instability, gender-based violence, technology-facilitated abuse and climate change.

Drawing attention to the experiences of countries in the Global South, she stressed the need for collective action and called for the removal of structural barriers that prevent women from accessing power, capital and security.

She also emphasised the importance of climate justice for women, particularly those living in vulnerable island nations. She called for direct climate finance investments that do not add to the debt burden of community-led initiatives.

Dr Amarasuriya said genuine gender equality could not be achieved through occasional policy reforms alone, but required a strong and lasting alliance across society. She stressed that governments, civil society, the private sector and men must all become active partners in this effort.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Sri Lankan Government was prepared to host the 14th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting, with the aim of advancing gender equality and strengthening collective action among Commonwealth countries.

She urged all stakeholders to turn existing commitments into meaningful action to ensure prosperity, independence and resilience for every woman and girl.

The session was attended by Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Commonwealth leaders, distinguished guests and delegates.