A Policy for Women’s Safety, Hygiene, and Dignity in Colombo
Women deserve to move freely, work safely, and feel protected in every corner of Colombo. Her Right to the City is a women’s safety and dignity initiative that prioritises lighting, safe toilets, reporting systems, and community hubs for rest and support. It’s a commitment to designing a city where every woman — no matter her background — feels safe, respected, and empowered.
The Problem
- Many women in Colombo — especially those living in lower-income areas — face daily threats on streets, buses, and even in their own neighborhoods.
- Public toilets and sanitation are often unsafe or unusable, especially during menstruation or pregnancy.
- There are very few safe spaces or support systems for women facing harassment, violence, or emotional stress.
- Working women in informal sectors and young girls often lack proper protection or resources.
What We Have Now
- Some police women’s desks and legal protection laws — but access is limited.
- A few NGOs working on women’s rights — but their services are not city-wide.
- Public toilets and washrooms are available, but mostly unsafe, unhygienic, or male-dominated.
What We Will Improve
1. Hygienic and Safe Public Toilets for Women
- Upgrade public toilets in markets, parks, and transport hubs with:
- Sanitary disposal bins
- Locks and lighting
- Regular cleaning and female attendants
2. Women Safety Helpline and WhatsApp Reporting
- Introduce a 24/7 city-level helpline and WhatsApp number for women to report harassment or unsafe spaces.
- Connect reports to quick-response teams in local wards and the nearest police station.
What New Things We Will Introduce
1. Safer Streets and Transport
- Install more streetlights and CCTV cameras in high-risk areas.
- Ensure visible female presence in city guard and cleaning staff teams.
- Work with transport authorities to ensure buses and bus stops are monitored and harassment is dealt with seriously.
- Reintroduce Smart Poles – Install modern smart poles in high-risk zones, equipped with CCTV cameras and lighting
- Help deter harassment and improve night-time visibility
- Feed into a central monitoring system for quick response
2. Free Pad Banks
- Set up “Pad Banks” in public toilets, community centres, and schools
- Stocked regularly and run by trained female volunteers.
3. Dignity Cards
- A special city-issued ID that gives free or discounted access to:
- Public toilets
- Mobile clinics
- Women-focused skill programs
- Sanitary product packs
4. Workplace Protection Awareness
- Run city-wide workshops for domestic workers, vendors, salon staff, garment workers and their employers on:
- Workplace rights
- What counts as abuse or harassment
- Where to get help
5. Self-Defense and Awareness Sessions
- Monthly free training sessions for girls and women on basic self-defense, identifying danger, and using tech for safety.