Launch of FAME: ‘Feminism: Action and Mobilisation for an Inclusive Economy’ in Sri Lanka

From left: AFD Country Director Yazid Bensaid, SAWDF Sri Lanka VP and CCWE Chair Shirley Jayawardena, SAWDF President Premila Acharya Rijal, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Deputy Minister Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana, and CCWE President and SAWDF Director Ayanthi Gurusinghe

The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), in collaboration with the South Asian Women’s Development Forum (SAWDF) in partnership with a consortium led by Geres, and supported by the Agence Française de Développement and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, officially launched the transformative FAME project: “Feminism: Action and Mobilisation for an Inclusive Economy.” 

Held at the Marino Beach Hotel, the event united stakeholders and leaders from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh to learn and promote inclusivity, sustainability, and economic empowerment across South Asia. The conference was graced by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe. The Guests of Honour were Embassy of France Acting Ambassador Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Marie-Noëlle DURIS, and Agence Francaise de Développement (AFD) Country Director Yazid Bensaid. 

The FAME project aims to foster an inclusive and sustainable economy through actionable initiatives targeting women, persons/families with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other marginalised groups. Its core focus areas include promoting feminism, female empowerment, supporting digital transformation, advancing sustainability, and creating equitable opportunities regardless of race, religion, disability or community identity. With South Asia’s economic growth increasingly tied to inclusivity, the initiative is set to address critical gaps in economic participation and representation.

In Sri Lanka, the FAME project has set an ambitious target to empower over 1,000 women entrepreneurs across five provinces having emphasis on inclusion with plans to eventually expand to all nine provinces. CCWE, leveraging its extensive network of chambers, aims to provide these women with the tools, resources, and training needed to succeed in the modern economy. Currently, six Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been selected through a rigorous process to lead specialised projects in their respective areas, laying the groundwork for broader outreach and impact.

The launch event featured over 75 distinguished attendees, including government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives, and advocates for gender equality and diversity. Highlights included:

• Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, highlighted national priorities on empowering women’s safety being included in the national agenda.
• Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe shared the importance of development diversity and economic empowerment and the initiative by the Ministry in social inclusion in their future programs. 
• SAWDF President Pramila Acharya Rijal spoke on the importance of regional collaboration and grassroots initiatives.
• CCWE President Ayanthi Gurusinghe emphasised the Chamber’s pivotal role in driving change for women entrepreneurs across the nation and the importance of regional connectivity.

During the regional CSO session, community development associations locally and regionally had the opportunity to share their initiatives within community mobilisation and appreciated the support extended by CCWE through FAME to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs. 

FAME represents a turning point in the fight for economic equality and inclusion. By leveraging the collective expertise of regional leaders and grassroots organisations, we aim to create a powerful ripple effect that benefits millions across South Asia.