A stakeholder engagement meeting focusing on strengthening survivor engagement in research on “Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)”, was held on 20 August 2026 at the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kalutara, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The meeting brought together 21 participants, representing the University of Jaffna, University of Colombo, National Institute of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Women Development Sectors and the Non-Governmental Organisation.
The meeting was opened by Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Country Lead of the NIHR Global Health Research Group on VAWG, who provided an overview of the research and highlighted the importance of incorporating stakeholder perspectives and experiences to strengthen the research process and ensure meaningful survivor engagement.
Further presentations by Prof. S. Weliange, Dr. P. A. D. Coonghe, and Dr. D. M. S. Jayawardene provided participants with a deeper understanding of the research objectives, the definition and diversity of survivors, and the proposed approach to survivor engagement.
A major focus of the meeting was developing a shared understanding of who may be considered a survivor within the research context. Participants emphasized that survivors should not be viewed merely as sources of data, but should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to and influence the research process.
The discussion strongly emphasized the importance of voluntary participation, confidentiality, informed consent, safety, and respectful engagement throughout the research process. Participants also highlighted that survivors have diverse social, cultural, family, and personal experiences, which need to be considered when planning recruitment and engagement strategies.
Participants also discussed potential approaches for identifying and recruiting survivors through safe and appropriate channels. The National Institute of Health Sciences, Kalutara, was identified as a potential site for recruitment and engagement, subject to further discussion.
The meeting represented an important step towards developing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and survivor-centred approach to research on Violence Against Women and Girls. The insights shared by stakeholders will contribute to refining the survivor engagement strategy and ensuring that survivors’ voices, experiences, safety, and choices remain central throughout the research process.
Through continued collaboration among researchers, health professionals, women’s development officers, institutions, partner organisations, and survivors, the initiative aims
to strengthen research that is ethical, meaningful, and responsive to the lived realities of women and girls.
