Advocacy for Democracy and Pluralism

Develop policies that Promote gender equality & justice, promote ethnic and religious pluralism, advocate for gender-sensitive reporting, promoting a culture of active non-violence, civic engagement and creative problem solving are some of the areas being concentrated under the program area Advocacy for Democracy and Pluralism. 

SDJF is targeting youth as change agent and a driving force towards positive social change under this theme. By enhancing the skills of the youth in using creative tools such as arts, culture, drama and media and ensure their active participation in civic affairs. In addition, beyond our own productions, SDJF also assists youth and our beneficiaries in producing media content for several other media institutions under this program area.

Media for Gender Equality and Justice

As an organization committed to advancing gender equality in Sri Lanka, SDJF recognizes the power of media to amplify the voices of women, girls, LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalized groups.

We are increasingly concerned about rising gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated abuse, as well as the growing SRHR challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in disaster and climate-affected contexts. Recent crises have shown the complex and urgent nature of these issues and the need for stronger public dialogue and representation. SDJF works with women’s rights advocates and gender-focused organizations to use creative media for advocacy and awareness. We promote safe and inclusive digital spaces, challenge harmful social norms, and strengthen public understanding to advance gender equality, justice, and rights.

Training and Capacity Building

Training and capacity building is one of the unique programme units, which is linked with two other programme areas; Advocacy for Democracy and Pluralism and Community Media for Inclusive Development. Storytelling and social change, new media and participation, youth and pluralism, media and conflict transformation, community broadcasting, radio for social advocacy, arts and culture for transformation and mobile journalism for inclusivity are some of the thematic focuses we work on. Over the past years more than 400 youth, women, gender minorities, journalists and social activists have been benefited and empowered from our training programs. Especially recognizing the role of youth on progressive social change, SDJF has so far trained more than 500 youth on the thematic areas of pluralism, digital and community storytelling and media and conflict transformation.

Media & Communication Research

At SDJF, we are mindful in designing and implementing media and communication programs based on the principles and theories by Development Communication scholars. SDJF conducts evidence based social research assignments on latest methods in communication such as mobile storytelling with the aim of improving and expanding communication research which is rather lacking in the local academic sphere. In our research, we are also dedicated to incorporate novel media concepts and approaches to ensure pragmatic and scientific outcomes. The findings of our research will contribute to the other 3 program areas of SDJF.