Institute for Development of Community Strengths

Empowering Women through Kolam and Voter Literacy

In 2024, INDECOS launched a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gap between rural communities and the democratic process. Using the traditional Sri Lankan folk art of Kolam, we transformed voter education from a technical lecture into an engaging, culturally resonant experience.

Project Quick Facts:

  • Reach: 2,915 participants across Matara, Weligama, Dondra, and Dickwella.
  • Core Demographic: Over 86% female participation (2,525 women).
  • Methodology: 10 live Kolam performances paired with expert-led voter workshops.
  • Media Impact: Nationwide radio broadcast reaching the Uva and Southern provinces.

Why Kolam?

Traditional education methods often fail to reach low-literacy or marginalized communities. By using Kolam performances, we made complex concepts of governance and democracy accessible to everyone.

Our neutral, non-partisan approach ensured that:

  1. Voter Confidence was restored among those previously disillusioned by politics.
  2. Practical Knowledge was shared, specifically on how to mark ballots correctly to reduce invalid votes.
  3. Inclusion was prioritized, providing visual and oral guidance for the elderly and physically challenged.

Real Impact: Changing Hearts and Minds

“We will no longer be misled by politicians. We now understand how to make informed voting decisions, considering our children’s future.” — Program Participant

The “Significant Change” Highlights:

  • Independent Decision-Making: Women reported a shift from following family voting traditions to making independent, informed choices based on national interests.
  • Leadership Aspiration: Following our sessions, there was a measurable increase in the acceptance of female leadership, culminating in the historic election of 22 women to the Sri Lankan Parliament.
  • Government Synergy: Our credibility led to Divisional Secretaries requesting additional performances in government auditoriums—a testament to the program’s legitimacy.
  • Safe Spaces: By engaging local police and government officials early, we created a “barrier-free” environment for political discourse during a sensitive election period.

The INDECOS Edge

A Partner for Sustainable Change

Through the Sri Lanka Engage Program, INDECOS has proven that cultural tools are the most effective way to address sensitive social issues. Our organizational strengths include:

  • Deep Community Roots: Unmatched access to rural DS divisions.
  • Non-Partisan Credibility: A strict code of ethics for all artists and facilitators.
  • Institutional Trust: Strong, transparent relationships with the Department of Agriculture, District Secretariats, and Law Enforcement.

Future Directions: 2025 and Beyond

We are ready to scale. Based on the success of SLE051, INDECOS is seeking partners to:

  • Expand to all 16 DS Divisions in the Matara District.
  • Launch a Women’s Leadership Academy focusing on democracy, rights, and governance.
  • Apply the Kolam Methodology to other critical issues, including gender-based violence (GBV), drug abuse prevention, and social cohesion.

[ Partner With Us ] [ View Our Gallery ] [ Download the Full Evaluation Report ]

Suggested Content for “News/Blog” Section

Headline: The Power of the Mask: How Folk Art Boosted Female Voter Turnout Summary: Read about how INDECOS used traditional Kolam masks and satire to educate over 2,500 women on their voting rights, leading to more independent decision-making at the polls.

Leave a comment