The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka conducted a special program titled “ELEVATE: Upskilling Women Entrepreneurs”, given celebrating International Women’s Day, on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 at the National Chamber Auditorium.
Objectives of the program were twofold where the significance of the women’s day was discussed in an open forum with the participants followed by a skills building session for the MSME sector women entrepreneurs focusing on the need for women’s economic empowerment and fostering gender equality. This significant event was graced by distinguished invitees representing women leaders in the state and private sector establishments.
Program Highlights: Focused on uplifting women’s economic empowerment to ensure that women can equally participate in and benefit from decent work and social protection, access markets and have control over resources, increased voice, and meaningful participation in economic decision-making at all levels. As such the core focus of this program was to equip women entrepreneurs with the essential skills necessary for achieving success in their business endeavors. The sessions are tailored to empower and provide valuable insights, further strengthening the commitment to fostering women’s equality within the economy.
Program was specifically designed for women entrepreneurs within the MSME sector, as well as aspiring youth with a keen interest in entrepreneurship. It offered a unique opportunity for both existing women entrepreneurs and potential youth interested in getting into their own startups to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.
A well-experienced Certified Professional Leadership Coach, Mrs. Dayalani Abeygoonawardene, served as the resource person. Mrs. Abeygoonawardene delivered the session with more practical oriented coaching techniques to enhance the essential skill set of participants and guided them through the program. Her inspiring session focused on empowering and motivating women entrepreneurs to drive success in their business ventures.
Success Stories and Experience Sharing Session:The program was enriched with an experience-sharing session of success stories of three women entrepreneurs Ms Maduwanthi Kumari of BMP Products, Ms. Jayomi Lokuliyana of ZMessenger and Ms. Senani Warusawithana of Senani Products.
The event was successfully organized with enormous support received from the leading organisations namely, Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, APIIT, HNB Assurance PLC, MAC Holdings Private Limited., Esna Allied Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Eswaran Brothers Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Bellose Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC, Senani Food Products (Pvt) Ltd and Janet Lanka (PVT) Ltd..
The National Chamber of Commerce remains committed to creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in their respective industries.