The Struggle

A screening of the 'The Struggle', directed by Arshad Najudeen and produced in collaboration with the Chevening Alumni Association, Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the Law & Society Trust (LST). Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session moderated by Maryam Azwer (Journalist, researcher and MPLRAG member):

Ermiza Tegal
Attorney at Law/Co-Founder - Muslim Personal Law Reform Action Group (MPLRAG)

Hyshyama Hamin
Co-Founder MPLRAG

Aneesa Firthouse
Director, Islamic Women's Association For Research And Empowerment (IWARE), Kattankudy

Presented by Safiya Sideek and the Muslim Personal Law Reform Action Group

More information on the MMDA and MPLRAG can be found here: https://www.mmdasrilanka.org/faqs-about-the-mmda/

Free Entry. Limited seating.
REGISTRATION LINK IN BIO.

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The film narrates the experiences of those who have been working towards comprehensive reform of Sri Lanka's Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA), as well as those affected by the law. The fight for reform has been long and arduous; some of the earliest attempts at reforms can be traced back to 1954, although the reforms process only gained significant momentum from the mid 1980s

Lawyers, activists and grassroots groups have been among those advocating for MMDA reforms for decades, and the issue has gained significant attention in the last few years. Initially, opposition came from more conservative groups from within the community, although consecutive governments have also failed to ensure progress on reforms.

Since 1970, numerous committees have been appointed by different governments, to study and propose amendments to the law. Over time, those who have previously voiced opposition to reform have also changed their stance on some of the issues. The report of the latest advisory committee was made public in March 2023. Amid all this, Muslim women, girls and their families continue to face injustice under the MMDA and the Quazi court system and due to the absence of an alternative mechanism that can resolve their issues.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

SNAFU, 147a Kynsey Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka