Conquering Waves and Traditional Gender Roles

Along the Southern coast, swimming and surfing offer women more than just new skills—they are liberating experiences for women who are not expected to conquer their fears of the sea or engage in water sports.

At the forefront of this movement is Kalpa Gandhari, a young lawyer in the Matara District, who is empowering women to embrace their potential and redefine their roles in society.

Kalpa is the Co-Director of Community and Programmes at SeaSisters Sri Lanka, a nonprofit founded in November 2018 dedicated to fostering a more inclusive surf community in Weligama, Matara.

Its Swim & Surf Programme conducted by volunteers offers free swimming and surfing lessons exclusively for Sri Lankan girls and women. This initiative is about more than sports; it challenges entrenched societal norms by creating a safe space where women can engage with the ocean, a place traditionally out of their reach due to cultural barriers and a deep-seated fear of water. By equipping these women with the skills to swim and surf, SeaSisters empowers them to transcend the limitations of traditional gender roles.

Kalpa’s involvement began during her studies when she joined SeaSisters as a translator, driven by a curiosity about surfing despite not knowing how to swim. This experience sparked her passion for the cause, leading her to become a key advocate and leader within the organization. Under her guidance, SeaSisters has also integrated environmental awareness into its programmes, educating locals and tourists on sustainable practices that benefit the entire community.