WERC
Bernadeen Silva was one of the founder members of the Women’s Education and Research Centre (WERC) and served as its Trustee till her passing away in February 2007. She was an activist and a vibrant personality who won the hearts of the old and the young. Bernadeen’s inner spirituality and faith reflected itself in the life of service that she led, seizing every opportunity to make her world a better place through addressing issues relating to women, children, poverty, the marginalized, justice, human rights and
Continue ReadingWERC celebrated the life of one of its founders, Bernadeen Silva through an art competition that invited young artists between the ages of sixteen and nineteen to express their thoughts on the theme 'Creating a Better Working World for Women.' Approximately 100 art works were on display at the exhibition held on the 8th and 9th of October at the J.D. A Perera Gallery, Colombo 7. The competition which encouraged young artists to recognise the immense contribution women make to the economy of their countries through p
Continue ReadingBernadeen Silva Memorial Art Competition is held in the memory of late Ms. Bernadeen Silva in remembrance of her extensive contribution to the civil society and her commitment to issues such as Peace, Social Justice and Civil Rights. For the year 2017, an art competition will be held in October in memory of Bernadeen Silva. For more information, Please contact 11-2595296/11-2590985/11-2596826
Continue ReadingIn light of Ms. Bernadeen Silva's contribution to the civil society and in recognition of her commitment towards safeguarding Peace, Social Justice and Civil Rights, the above award is announced by Women’s Education Research Centre every other year in her name as a means of continuing her dream. Although various awards are being awarded for artists, social workers and scholars, there has never been an award specifically meant for Feminist Activists in Sri Lanka. Hence this award is awarded specifically for someone who
Continue ReadingBernadeen Silva Memorial Award is held annually in the memory of late Ms. Bernadeen Silva in remembrance of her extensive contribution to the civil society and her commitment to issues such as Peace, Social Justice and Civil Rights. For the year 2013, WERC held a flash film competition in memory of Bernadeen Silva. WERC accepted flash film submissions that explored 'Women's Power and Women's Role as change in all spheres of life/ society'. Eighteen candidates submitted their productions on this theme including shor
Continue ReadingMs. Bernadeen Silva who was one of the founders of WERC, played a pivotal role in the women's movement in Sri Lanka. She worked to empower individuals and to create an environment where everyone has equal opportunity. In light of Ms. Bernadeen Silva's contribution to the civil society and in recognition of her commitment to issues such as peace, social justice and civil rights, we thought it would be ideal to initiate an award in her name as means of continuing her dream. The Award will acknowledge and appreciate the
Continue ReadingDrama scripts in Sinhala and Tamil were called for and out of the scripts received two were selected by the panel of reviewers. The staging of the selected dramas took place in 2010 at the Namel-Malini Punchi Theater, Borella with a big audience of artists, playwrights, journalists, university students, Board members, current and ex-staff of WERC.
Continue ReadingIn memory of Ms. Bernadeen Silva, WERC decided to publish some of her cerebral essays on women's movements and gender issues in the form of a book. Dr. Kumari Jayawardena, Prof. Jayadewa Uyangoda, Ms. Suriya Wickremasinghe, Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, Ms. Jezima Ismail and Dr. Deepika Udagama rendered tributes on Ms. Bernadeen's role in the many radical projects she engaged in, in Sri Lanka, while focusing on her pro-active and continuous activities in the civil society. The second part of the book reproduced a selectio
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