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Scholar from Sri Lanka aims to empower women through digital literacy

Posted: 31 January 2025

Sri Lanka, Gender Equality, In Australia, Linkages, Scholar,

Jeevani Fernando from Sri Lanka is studying a Master of Computer Science at the University of Sydney with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. Jeevani was the inaugural recipient of the Manik Suriyaaratchi Memorial Scholarship, which was dedicated in memory of Ms Manik Suriyaaratchi, an Australian alumna and entrepreneur who lost her life in the 2019 Easter attacks.

Jeevani was featured as the ‘face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Sri Lanka for study commencing in 2026. We recently caught up with her to ask about her Scholarship journey, how it has affected her personal and career growth, and what advice she has for prospective applicants.

Why did you apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering, I contributed to a major project focused on enhancing rural digital telecommunication services across Sri Lanka during my tenure with a leading mobile telecommunications operator. Additionally, I had the opportunity to promote information and communications technology (ICT) knowledge among Sri Lankan girls in upper secondary education in rural areas through the ‘Girls in ICT’ project organised by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, demonstrating how ICT can empower their careers and shape their futures.

This experience opened my eyes to the significant digital gender divide in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas where the digital literacy rate stands at just 24% (Source: Computer Literacy Statistics 2021, Department of Census and Statistics, Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka). The same source highlights that more than half of the women in Sri Lanka lack access to essential digital skills. Sri Lanka’s economy, heavily driven by agriculture and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in sectors like farming and tea cultivation, could greatly benefit from equipping young women with digital literacy skills. This empowerment would expand market access, boost local economies and foster social inclusion.

Driven by this realisation, I became deeply passionate about empowering rural young women to navigate the digital world effectively. I aim to design programs that provide digital literacy training to support entrepreneurship, education and work opportunities. These programs would include teaching social media marketing, leveraging e-commerce platforms to promote SME products, ensuring responsible ICT usage and online safety, and introducing emerging technologies.

However, I recognised that my undergraduate background in telecommunications alone would not be sufficient to achieve this vision. To develop the technical expertise needed to design and implement such impactful programs, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. The Australia Awards Scholarship stood out as the ideal platform to fulfil this aspiration, offering world-class education, technical training and unparalleled networking opportunities. This Scholarship provides the foundation I need to bridge the digital gender divide in Sri Lanka and drive meaningful change in the lives of rural women.

Jeevani (second from right) featured with other Sri Lankan scholars at an Australia Awards scholar event in Canberra.

How has your Australia Awards Scholarship contributed to your personal and professional growth?

The Australia Awards Scholarship has been much more than an opportunity to learn at a world-class university; it opened a world of possibilities even before I arrived in Australia. From the moment I received the Scholarship, I was introduced to a wealth of experiences that broadened my horizons and prepared me for the journey ahead. Upon my arrival, the orientation program provided an essential introduction to academic culture and expectations, helping me transition smoothly into an international university setting after an eight-year gap from full-time study. The University of Sydney, ranked equal 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, offers a wealth of academic development opportunities, including the latest practices in computer science.

On a personal level, I’ve significantly improved my public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. I have built meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing my cross-cultural understanding. Managing a heavy workload while maintaining a healthy work–life balance has been a vital lesson, improving my resilience and time-management skills. The confidence I’ve gained through these experiences has empowered me to embrace challenges and grow personally.

Professionally, the Scholarship has been a gateway to a vast network of academics, professionals and like-minded individuals. Networking events organised by Australia Awards have facilitated knowledge sharing and the development of lifelong connections. Attending conferences and workshops in cities like Melbourne and Canberra, outside my home city of Sydney, has deepened my understanding of critical issues such as gender inclusivity, digital literacy and policy changes required to promote equality. These experiences have provided valuable insights into building communities that work for everyone and how women’s leadership enriches governance. Engaging in global discussions has broadened my understanding of challenges faced by rural women in Sri Lanka and how digital skills can empower them. The exposure to international perspectives has allowed me to link global issues with the specific needs of my country, enhancing my critical thinking and equipping me with the skills necessary to develop and implement digital empowerment programs for rural young women in Sri Lanka.

University aside, what has your life in Australia been like so far?

My life in Australia outside the university environment has been a vibrant and enriching journey filled with cultural exploration, community involvement, personal growth and new achievements. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by Australia’s multiculturalism and welcoming spirit, which made settling into this new country both exciting and seamless.

As a mother of two, my daily life revolves around balancing academic commitments with creating a nurturing environment for my children. Watching their growth and ability to adapt has strengthened our family bond and brought immense joy during this life-changing experience. A significant highlight of my time here has been my engagement with the local community through various volunteering initiatives, including my involvement with the Australian Red Cross. Additionally, being a member of the Sri Lankan community in Australia has allowed me to connect with fellow Sri Lankans, celebrate our shared heritage and embrace Australia’s vibrant multiculturalism. These connections have provided a sense of belonging while enabling me to contribute meaningfully to both communities.

Participating in cultural events has also enriched my experience. Exploring iconic sites like the Blue Mountains and travelling to nearby cities such as Canberra and Melbourne have added layers of adventure, enhancing my understanding of this country’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. One of my proudest personal achievements has been learning to swim—something I never imagined myself doing before arriving in Australia. Thanks to free swimming lessons offered by the university, I have developed a new skill that boosts my confidence and serves as an inspiring example for my children of embracing growth and overcoming challenges. Connecting with fellow international students has also been a valuable part of my journey. These interactions have created a supportive community that has made adapting to life abroad more fulfilling.

Overall, my time outside the university has been transformative. It has not only complemented my academic and professional pursuits but also allowed me to grow personally, immerse myself in a new culture and form meaningful connections. These experiences and lessons will continue to shape me and my family long after our time in Australia comes to an end.

Jeevani (third from left) volunteering for the Australian Red Cross with other students from the University of Sydney.

What do you hope to do once you return to your home country?

Once I return to Sri Lanka, I intend to channel the knowledge, skills and experiences I have gained in Australia into impactful initiatives that foster social and digital empowerment. My primary focus will be implementing my project, which aims to bridge the digital divide for rural young women, equipping them with the skills needed to access opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship. Drawing on my experience, I will develop a comprehensive curriculum for digital literacy training workshops tailored to the specific needs of young women in rural areas. These workshops will cover practical skills such as online communication, productivity tools, cybersecurity awareness and digital entrepreneurship. Collaborating with local organisations, schools and community leaders will be key to ensuring that the programs will be both accessible and relevant.

Additionally, I plan to partner with local non-government organisations and community leaders to organise awareness campaigns that emphasise the importance of digital literacy and its role in empowering women. Another priority will be to establish partnerships with local businesses and organisations to create internships and employment opportunities for young women who complete the training programs. These connections to real-world opportunities will help ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of the initiative.

Beyond the project, I will advocate for policy changes that promote gender equity and digital inclusion, drawing from global best practices I encountered during my time in Australia. I also aim to foster networks for knowledge-sharing, connecting women from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and collective growth. Ultimately, my goal is for the impact of my time in Australia to extend beyond personal growth, contributing to the transformation of others’ lives. By empowering young women with digital skills, I hope to create a more inclusive, equitable and digitally connected Sri Lanka.

What advice would you give to future Scholarship recipients?

An Australia Awards Scholarship is truly one of a kind, distinct from any other scholarship available worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity to embark on your international study journey alongside your family, as it is the only scholarship I know of that encourages families to stay together.

Take this opportunity to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone—whether in academic study, research or extracurricular activities. Embrace personal growth, push your boundaries and make the most of networking. Engage with the local community and be open to new ideas and experiences. This Scholarship will expose you to diverse perspectives, cultures and ways of thinking, so embrace the richness of this diversity.

Additionally, the Australia Awards team and the university do an amazing job in supporting us in every possible way, truly providing a home outside your home. Their unwavering support ensures that we can focus on our studies and personal growth without feeling overwhelmed.

As you embark on this journey, remember to give back to your beautiful home country. The Scholarship is an investment not just in your future, but also in your ability to make a positive impact back home. Take full advantage of the opportunities offered to ensure your time abroad is impactful, enriching and life changing.

Jeevani (third from left) pictured with other scholars from South Asia and Mongolia at the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra.