Northern women entrepreneurs celebrate Women’s Day

Thursday, 12 March 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

More than 600 female entrepreneurs and their families from Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu celebrated International Women’s Day with a business clinic and a carnival/fun fair at the Urban Council grounds in Vavuniya on 8 March. The event was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Nucleus Foundation’s ‘Optimise Micro Enterprise Development and Agricultural Productivity’ project.

The event promoted female entrepreneurs from the north who showcased their enterprises while also celebrating the day with their families. In addition to stalls showcasing the products of the female entrepreneurs, there were also business development service providers; financial service providers; counselling services; care for the aged and persons with disabilities; and career guidance for youth. It was an opportunity for the entrepreneurs and service providers to build economic and social relationships. Speaking at the event, Jeanette Normand, USAID Environment Officer, noted: “Today, we are here to celebrate both female entrepreneurs and their families who have supported them. The women running these businesses are making significant contributions to their families, their communities, and the region. I want us to remember, however, that the achievements we, as women, are making today are often not possible without the loving support of our families. I think that we should all take a moment today to thank those very important people who work so hard to make it possible for us to make progress towards our goals and aspirations. I hope all of you are proud of yourselves and your achievements thus far. I also hope that you will continue to engage in activities that advance the enterprises you have built to benefit you, your families and your communities.” Chandani Bandara, a popular hair and beauty consultant, cosmetologist, and expert in the field also participated in the event as a special guest. She made the trip to Vavuniya all the way from Colombo to share her experience and expertise with the women of the north. She also conducted a beauty clinic, a stylist demonstration, and a bridal competition in which beauticians from the north showcased their talents. The children of the female entrepreneurs enjoyed the fun fair which included bouncing castles, magic shows, games, and friendly competitions. Much loved cartoon figures Dora and Ben 10 were present and took photos with the kids and adults. The tug of war between the five districts was a highlight of the event with the women fiercely competing with each other for the coveted championship title. The women from the Kilinochchi District won the competition and the Mullaitivu women were the runners up. The female entrepreneurs from the north returned to their homes in the late evening having enjoyed a day celebrating their success, not only as entrepreneurs, making significant contributions to the economy of their regions, but also as mothers and home makers making tangible contributions to the financial stability of their families. USAID is the development arm of the US Government. USAID has provided development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries worldwide for more than 50 years. Since 1956, it has invested more than $2 billion to benefit all Sri Lankans. The Nucleus Foundation (NF) is a non-profit association working in development cooperation providing a range of services to partner agencies throughout the region including projects, training and research. The Foundation was established under a Memorandum of Understanding with the former Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development.