The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) in Sri Lanka recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking its 40th anniversary by hosting a vital workshop titled ‘Empowering Future Female Entrepreneurs’. This event, held at Trace Expert City, brought together 60 ambitious female undergraduates from 16 universities across the nation. It served as a potent symbol of WCIC’s enduring commitment to nurturing female talent and fostering economic growth in Sri Lanka. This initiative is part of a series of monthly events designed to commemorate the organization’s four decades of impact while actively investing in the future of women in business, particularly for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka.
A Legacy of Empowerment for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka
Founded in 1985 by a group of visionary Sri Lankan women, the WCIC holds the distinction of being the world’s first women-only trade chamber. Its inception was driven by a desire to integrate women into the mainstream of business activity, thereby encouraging a greater economic contribution from women to the country. Today, WCIC stands as the National Chamber for Women in Business, continuing its mission to engage and empower women entrepreneurs and professionals. With over 360 members and a target of 500 by the end of the year, the organization remains a dynamic force, advocating for diverse, ethical, and sustainable growth among Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka.
WCIC Chairperson Gayani de Alwis articulated the organization’s enduring purpose, stating, “WCIC’s 40-year legacy is one of evolution and impact. We have always been and will continue to be a relevant and dynamic force, empowering women to transform Sri Lanka’s economy as powerful nation builders.” The chamber’s vision is to be the leading ‘think tank,’ ‘voice,’ and ‘platform’ that propels women into leadership roles, driving significant economic transformation for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka.
Bridging the Gap: From Academia to Entrepreneurship for Young Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka
The ‘Empowering Future Female Entrepreneurs’ workshop was meticulously designed to bridge the crucial gap between academic knowledge and practical entrepreneurial skills. Participants, representing a diverse range of disciplines including IT, engineering, agriculture, design, and economics, engaged in a full day of intensive learning, mentorship, and inspiration. The curriculum focused on essential skills such as problem-solving, network-building, and understanding scalability, crucial for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka. Approximately 30% of the attendees already had registered businesses, showcasing promising ideas from eco-products to fashion startups.
Key sessions included a practical workshop on ‘Entrepreneurship on a Budget’ led by Nevindaree Premarathne, Founder and CEO of The Makers. She guided participants on how to test ideas quickly using minimum viable products (MVPs) and effective branding strategies. Ramani Ponnambalam, WCIC Vice Chair, shared her extensive entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing resilience and the importance of global partnerships, a vital aspect for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka. She noted that this was WCIC’s inaugural university-focused program, signaling a commitment to building a robust pipeline of future women entrepreneurs.
Cultivating Global Citizens and Visionary Leaders
A significant highlight of the workshop was the session on ‘Being a Global Citizen,’ conducted by Sarrah Sammoon, founder of Magellan Champlain. Sammoon underscored the interconnectedness of today’s world, encouraging entrepreneurs to view the globe as their marketplace and to build strong international profiles. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, further inspired the young attendees by introducing the government’s ‘Brain to Business’ graduate entrepreneurship program. He urged participants to think expansively and adopt a purpose-driven approach, wisely advising, “Entrepreneurship is not only about creating a product, it is about solving problems, building networks, and having the passion to scale. Investors don’t invest in slides; they invest in people.” This is invaluable advice for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka.
Addressing a Critical Need for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka
The initiative addresses a vital need in Sri Lanka, where despite a high female literacy rate, women’s participation in the workforce and entrepreneurship remains lower than desired. Statistics indicate that women own a smaller proportion of SMEs, and face systemic challenges such as limited access to markets, finance, and pervasive gender discrimination. Programs like the one hosted by WCIC are instrumental in equipping the next generation of women leaders with the confidence, skills, and networks necessary to overcome these barriers and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. The participants left with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose, equipped to test business models, build financial credibility, and leverage global opportunities, fostering a stronger ecosystem for Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka.
Encouraged by the success of this first cohort, WCIC has announced its intention to make this university-focused initiative an annual program. This commitment signifies a long-term investment in empowering young women, fostering innovation, and ensuring that women play a central, leadership role in Sri Lanka’s continued economic transformation. The event truly showcased people making a huge difference in their field of interest, a testament to the power of focused development and opportunity making for the Female Entrepreneurs Sri Lanka community.
