BOI celebrates International Women’s Day by “accelerating action” in multiple zones

The theme for International Women’s Day is “Collectively, we accelerate action for gender equality”. Focusing on the need to accelerate action underscores the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. So, together, let’s accelerate action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.

In the Sri Lankan context, the theme has further extended her role as a feminist: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. This theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, aiming for a feminist future where no one is left behind.

The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka celebrated International Women’s Day in multiple locations; Biyagama, Katunayake, and Wathupitiwala. The important aspects of these collective efforts are the participation of all stakeholders, including all the BOI enterprises, members, law enforcement, and civil society.

One of the salient features of Women’s Day is the discussion of empowerment and equality. Celebrating this day reinforces the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in economic development. The theme emphasises the need for swift and effective actions to support women’s further participation in the workforce, leadership roles, and entrepreneurship.

The education and awareness sessions were organised with leading university academics to increase knowledge of present-day work ecosystems and further deliberated that engaging women in business and investment can significantly impact economic growth. By promoting initiatives that support women during the sessions, it reemphasised that BOI can contribute to a more inclusive economy that maximises the talents and potential of all individuals.

The role of the BOI extended beyond serving investors; by taking a stand to further promote and facilitate women’s rights and gender parity, the BOI reemphasised its corporate social responsibility profile.

During the celebration, BOI Director General Renuka M. Weerakoon valued the wonderful role of the women of the BOI, her multifaceted herculean task as a member of the enterprise, mother, wife, and homemaker, and her incredible talent for work-life balance.

During the Seethawaka zone speech, she said, “We are also working to establish a Family Health Service Unit in the Seethawaka region and improve your health services and health education. In the future, we expect to provide care to your little ones through the day care centre proposed to be opened in the Seethawaka region. The facility will enable you to work as a mother with peace of mind and happiness. We have allocated a financial provision of Rs. 33 million for this project, and we plan to commence construction this year.”

Celebrating International Women’s Day also strengthens relationships with stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and the business community. Further, it creates positive vibes to attract investment. A commitment to gender equality may attract foreign investments, as many global investors consider gender diversity and inclusion as critical factors when deciding where to invest.

The celebration of Women’s Day in all zones consisted of talent shows and a lot of entertainment to unleash each enterprise’s women’s social skills with bountiful awards.