Strengthening women’s economic resilience: Japan and UN Women support women entrepreneurs in Mannar

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Minister/Deputy Head of Mission Kamoshida Naoaki

In a continued effort to foster women’s economic empowerment, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Minister/Deputy Head of Mission Kamoshida Naoaki visited women entrepreneurs in Mannar District who have been supported through the project ‘Pathways to Peace: Realising the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in Sri Lanka’.

The project, implemented by UN Women in partnership with Chrysalis and with generous support from the Government of Japan, has been making significant progress in strengthening women-led businesses across conflict-affected areas, namely Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar and Mullaitivu. With the assistance of $ 1.7 million by the Government of Japan, approximately 500 women entrepreneurs have successfully enhanced their capacity through a series of trainings in business planning, financial literacy, and product innovation. These targeted trainings have enabled them to refine their business models, further complemented by trainings to increase access to markets, and technology transfer to promote sustainability in their operations.

Speaking at the event, Minister / Deputy Head of Mission Kamoshida Naoaki, stated, “By equipping women with necessary skills and by unleashing their potentials, we could catalyse positive changes that reverberate across communities and could create a new driving force for economic growth. Japan remains committed to empowerment of women and sustainable, inclusive development of this country”.

This collaboration builds on Japan’s longstanding commitment to gender equality and inclusive development and reflects shared priorities under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Women, Peace and Security Agenda. By creating pathways to economic empowerment, the initiative contributes to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka.