In Sri Lanka, discussions about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Cyber Gender-Based Violence (CGBV) are often hushed, especially within university settings. Cultural taboos, fear of backlash, and a deep-seated stigma discourage many students—particularly young women—from addressing these sensitive issues. Among these students is Dilshani Randima, a differently-abled student from the University of Colombo. Her involvement in the ELEVATE Project has been a transformative journey, allowing her to overcome personal challenges and find the courage to speak out on issues related to SRHR, CGBV, and the rights of disabled individuals. This initiative is being implemented by Centre for Media and Information Literacy.
Finding Her Voice
Before joining the ELEVATE Project, Dilshani never envisioned herself speaking out about SRHR or CGBV. As a differently-abled girl, she felt these topics were often not only culturally taboo but also excluded people like her from the conversation. “I never dreamed of being a filmmaker,” Dilshani admits. “Filmmaking was something I never thought I would do, especially as a student with a disability. I never thought I’d have the courage to speak about SRHR, but this project changed everything. I accidentally participated, and it changed my life.”
Dilshani credits the ELEVATE Project with opening her eyes to the power of filmmaking as a tool for advocacy. “I was encouraged by the team at CMIL and felt empowered by the five-day residential training on SRHR filmmaking. It was during these sessions that I realized the potential of film to express my own story and to address issues I care deeply about,” Dilshani reflects. “I left the training feeling inspired and motivated, knowing I now had the tools and confidence to speak up about SRHR and to share my story.”
Breaking the Stigma Around Disability and SRHR
Dilshani’s involvement in the ELEVATE Project also helped her confront a widespread and harmful misconception: that disabled individuals, especially women, do not have sexual desires or reproductive health needs.
“People often think that disabled individuals don’t have sexual desires or feelings. They assume we don’t care about things like relationships, intimacy, or sexual health,” Dilshani explains.
“This assumption is deeply harmful. It erases our human experiences and reduces us to mere objects of pity or caretaking. It affects how we are treated by society, especially when it comes to accessing health services.”
This misconception, Dilshani believes, contributes to the vulnerability of differently-abled individuals, particularly women, who are often seen as easy targets for exploitation. “Our vulnerability is sometimes taken for granted. There are people who abuse us, thinking we don’t understand or can’t protect ourselves,” she shares, with a quiet but firm conviction. “This is especially true online, where cyber gender-based violence targets us more than others. People think that because we have disabilities, we are somehow immune to the same experiences of harm, abuse, or violence as anyone else.”
Dilshani goes on to emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) that is inclusive of people with disabilities. “Sexuality education is often seen as a taboo subject, especially for disabled individuals, but it is one of the most important areas for empowering young people,” she states. “It’s critical that we have education that reflects our lived realities and addresses the specific ways we experience our bodies, relationships, and sexual health. Without this, we are left vulnerable, uninformed, and isolated.”
Access to SRHR: A Critical and Overlooked Issue
For Dilshani, the ELEVATE Project also gave her the courage to address a critical yet overlooked issue: the lack of accessible SRHR services for differently-abled individuals. “It’s not just about having sexual desires or needs; it’s also about having access to services that protect our health and dignity,” she explains. “In our community, we rarely talk about how disabled girls and boys face challenges in accessing these services. Our sanitary needs are unique, but the stigma and lack of understanding make it difficult for us to seek help when we need it most.”
Dilshani recalls one of the most impactful aspects of her work with the ELEVATE Project: creating a film on safe abortion access. “When girls, including disabled girls, are abused and become pregnant, society expects them to carry the burden of stigma,” she says, her voice growing more passionate. “The abuser often escapes unscathed while the victim, especially if she is disabled, is left with lifelong consequences. This is unfair. Disabled girls should have access to safe abortion, not just for their health but for their right to education, autonomy, and a life free from the stigma and trauma of abuse.”
Dilshani goes on to stress the role of legal and social systems in denying young disabled women their rights. “There is a lack of understanding that we, too, deserve autonomy over our bodies, our futures, and our choices. It’s critical that we have access to health services that are not only inclusive but also free from stigma,” she says. “We need policymakers, healthcare professionals, and society at large to understand that disabled individuals have the same rights as anyone else when it comes to SRHR.”
A Call for Greater Awareness and Advocacy
Dilshani’s filmmaking journey within the ELEVATE Project has transformed her from a passive observer into an active advocate. “Filmmaking helped me understand how important it is to speak out,” she reflects. “It’s not just about creating art—it’s about raising awareness and educating others. I want to encourage other disabled girls to speak out, to fight for their rights, and to understand that they are not alone.”
Dilshani’s role in the films she co-directed was deeply personal. She used her newfound platform to highlight the intersection of disability, sexual health, and gender-based violence—issues that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. “These films have helped me share a side of the story that is often ignored,” she explains. “We are not invisible. We have needs, desires, and rights. I hope that through our films, we can start conversations that will bring about a change in how disabled people are treated in society and within healthcare systems. I want to make sure that disabled individuals are included in SRHR discussions.”
The Importance of SRHR for Disabled People: A Final Reflection
Dilshani’s transformation is a testament to the importance of inclusive advocacy for SRHR. She believes the conversation surrounding SRHR must be all-encompassing, recognizing the unique challenges faced by differently-abled individuals. “It’s essential that people recognize SRHR as a fundamental human right, regardless of ability,” Dilshani states.
“Disabled people, particularly girls, face challenges that require tailored solutions, yet they are often forgotten in these conversations.”
Her journey highlights the urgency of addressing the intersection between disability and SRHR. Disabled individuals are frequently marginalized within healthcare and advocacy spaces, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding disability often makes it harder for them to access services, seek help, or even speak about their needs. “The stigma we face often prevents us from accessing basic services. It’s not just about providing services, but also creating an environment where we feel respected and heard,” Dilshani explains.
Through the ELEVATE Project, Dilshani has gained the confidence to break through these barriers, using her voice to demand change. “SRHR is not just a woman’s issue—it’s a human rights issue,” Dilshani concludes. “Disabled people deserve the same rights to safety, dignity, and autonomy as anyone else. It’s time for all of us to speak up and demand that these rights be recognized and protected.”
Dilshani’s journey through the ELEVATE Project reflects not only her personal transformation but also the power of confidence-building and advocacy for those whose voices are often unheard. Her story exemplifies the importance of creating inclusive platforms that amplify marginalized voices, enabling them to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and drive change. Through her courage and determination, Dilshani has become a beacon for other differently-abled individuals, proving that with the right support, they too can advocate for their rights and become powerful agents of change.
