In June 2020, the Small World Café was pleased to host Marini DE LIVERA of Sri Lanka who was a 2019 International Woman of Courage (IWOC). This award recognizes women across the globe who are doing important work, often at risk to themselves, and is part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). DE LIVERA came to Pensacola in March 2019 on an IVLP project coordinated nationally by the Meridian International Center.
Director Anne Grimes of the Office of International Visitors in the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State opened the session with an overview of how the global pandemic has affected the IVLP. She elaborated on the future use of virtual appointments to help bridge the physical gaps for IVLP projects during the pandemic.
After introductions, DE LIVERA explained how she runs her own nongovernmental organization, Sisters in Law, which focuses on providing pro bono legal work to fill in the gaps in the government’s child protection system. The organization is completely volunteer run and works in courts and other locations that can assist in protecting the rights of those affected by domestic violence. The NGO also provides victim counseling and conducts awareness raising campaigns.
Her presentation focused on sharing what the group does and how it has impacted the community around her. She also discussed how, due to stay-at-home orders, the rates of domestic violence have increased. Sisters in Law has been working to combat this growing rate, and DE LIVERA stated that it is hard work, especially when many in the Sri Lankan government do not seem to care. The organization has also opened a new facility in southern Sri Lanka to give pregnant teens a place to stay when they have been kicked out of their homes.
Art has a special place in the work of Sisters in Law. DE LIVERA believes too much emphasis has been placed on technology and not enough on the arts. By using street theater, she is able to spread awareness to different villages about the appropriate responses to domestic violence. DE LIVERA also uses activities to reach children stuck inside due to the pandemic.
When asked what she would like the attendees of the café to take away from their time together, without hesitation, DE LIVERA answered, “To be unstoppable and to never, never, never give up. Do not say it is too difficult. Be positive. Forge ahead in what you are doing and change the world in a positive way.”
Marini De Livera visited Pensacola in 2019.