Program on Entrepreneurial Women Empowerment through Psychological Intervention and the Establishment of an Entrepreneurial Women's Network in Kandy District Organized by Institute for Rural Sustainable Development
“Building Capacity for Better Transformation”
Financial Partnership:
Date: 20.10.2024
Venue: Auditorium, Bank of Ceylon - Kandy
Beneficiaries: 102 Women Entrepreneurs from Kandy District
Introduction
Women entrepreneurs are business leaders who seek out new ideas and turn them into reality, driving economic growth and development. Entrepreneurship is one of the most vital components of economic advancement. As catalysts for change, women entrepreneurs create chain reactions that foster enthusiasm and contribute to overall economic development.
The power of women as entrepreneurs deserves special recognition, with government support needed to help them access new export markets and financial resources to expand their businesses. IRSD believes the private sector—especially the SME sector—is the engine of growth. Many businesses have faced severe impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, current economic conditions, and new tax policies, all of which discourage smaller enterprises from thriving alongside other market players.
Objectives
The program aimed to achieve the following objectives:
Program Content
Session 01:
Opening Remarks
Presented by: Mrs. Shirani Weerakoon - Chairperson, IRSD and Mr. Damith Ekanayake-AGM -BOC- Kandy
Session 02:
Entrepreneurship Development through Psychological Intervention
Speaker: Dr. Chaminda Weerasirwardhane – Member, IRSD Advisory Panel
Using psychological approaches to empower entrepreneurs can enhance their confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills, fostering increased success and sustainability in their businesses.
Session 03:
Exploring New Business Opportunities
Speaker: Prof. M.S.M. Aslem - Member, IRSD Advisory Panel
This session will cover methods to assess strengths, address weaknesses, and boost motivation for sustainable growth within the SME sector.
Session 04:
Financial Support for Entrepreneurs at BOC
Speaker: Mr. Ranjith Jayathilaka - Senior Manager, BOC Peradeniya
Session 05:
Establishing a Women’s Network in Kandy District
Conducted by: IRSD
In this session, IRSD launched an entrepreneurial women's network, starting with 40 SME-sector women entrepreneurs from 20 divisional secretariat divisions in Kandy. This network aims to empower and inspire others through their leadership
Feedback of the Participants.
Conclusion
The program underscores IRSD’s commitment to empowering women and creating a lasting positive
impact in Sri Lankan society. Feedback from participants has highlighted the crucial role that mental stimulation and support play in their entrepreneurial journeys. Our advisory panel experts deserve commendation for volunteering their time to contribute to this significant initiative.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Program has equipped participants with the competencies to face business challenges, make strategic decisions, and embrace calculated risks. Beyond filling critical knowledge gaps, the program has reignited the entrepreneurial spirit among women entrepreneurs, who are set to be pivotal change-makers in the future of Sri Lanka.
Special Thanks
As Chairperson of IRSD, I extend my gratitude to Mr Damith Ekanayake, Mr. Sanjaya Dissanayake and Mr.Ranjith jayathilaka and Staff of the Bank of Ceylon for their financial partnership and resource provision, as well as to the experts on our advisory panel for volunteering their time. Special thanks to Manel Jayaweera, Nimal Chandrasiri, Warunasiri Lalantha, and Ranga Perera for their voluntary support in making this program a success.
I would also like to acknowledge Divisional Secretaries of Akurana and Pathadumbara, the Deputy Director of the National Craft Council, Director of Planning at the DS Office in Pathadumbara, Development Officer Ranga Perera and Prabha Herath for their support in nominating and encouraging women entrepreneurs to attend this event.
Some highlights of the program