The International Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo (RACFOSUOC) proudly launched HerEra, a two-phase international initiative aimed at empowering women around the globe by combining cross cultural conversations with real-world action.
The 1st Phase: Women Beyond Boundaries
Women Beyond Boundaries was held on the 27th of April 2025 with a virtual webinar that brought together voices across the globe to have a vibrant and thought-provoking exchange on women’s contributions to various parts of the community and reflect on the issues women face in the modern society. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Rotaract Clubs of Cairo Heights (RID 2451), İzmir Ekonomi (RID 2440), M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women (RID 3232) and Napoli Castel dell’Ovo (RID 2101).
The webinar was rich in conversation about historical milestones in women’s achievements, cultural diversity in traditional garments, contribution of women to arts, education, economy and politics which are pillars that shape a society. The webinar also shed light on the struggles faced by women across three continents of the world bringing attention to the disparities that need action. It was more than a discussion; it was a chorus of solidarity and unity.
Phase II: Maaya
The end of phase one pivoted our focus on to Phase II: Maaya, the action phase of the project. This phase was driven by compassion and a spirit to turn the dialogue into real world impact. It was centered on improving maternal healthcare as a means to empower women in their most vulnerable of times. To achieve this goal, we focused on raising funds to renovate a maternity clinic in Vallimatha village, Kataragama in need of vital support.
Though initially planned to include a grand fundraising car wash at BRC Grounds, the event was unfortunately cancelled. Rather than halting the momentum, the organizing team came upwith alternative means to raise the funds. A series of creative fundraising stalls were set up as result of their unwavering enthusiasm. The stalls were ranging from food such as cupcakes, cookies, popcorn and mojito to beautifully done mehndi design and creative laptop stickers. The result of this unwavering commitment made it possible to meet the donation target and complete the project successfully. The funds were directed to renovate the maternity clinic, ensuring that mothers in the community have access to safer and more dignified healthcare facilities.
Uniting for Global Change
Maaya didn’t just impact a village in Sri Lanka. The effect of it was spread across the globe through our collaborating Rotaract clubs. These International partner clubs carried out parallel acts of service, such as raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting earthquake affected mothers and children. Through thoughtful conversations and life changing actions, HerEra showcased what international unity can achieve to revive the conscience of the world to strive towards a future of equity for all.
As RACFOSUOC closes this chapter, we believe it stood as a shining example of turning empathy and conversation into change that brings about empowerment.
Written by : Rtr. Zainab Azar
Image credit: POC members
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