The Body Shop Sri Lanka launches global ‘Dream Big’ initiative in support of women’s empowerment

The Body Shop launched its global ‘Dream Big’ campaign in Sri Lanka, by hosting a purpose-driven event designed to empower, encourage, and inspire attendees, on Friday 20 December at the beauty brand’s flagship store in Colombo 03.

Entitled ‘Dream Big and Make Happen’, the event featured an inspirational talk by Wildlife Biologist and founder of the Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project, Anya Ratnayaka. Not an unfamiliar personality in the sphere of women trailblazers, the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Scholar and Global Wildlife Conservation Associate Scientist spoke of her own journey towards establishing herself as a significant voice in the field of wildlife conservation, despite the odds of being a woman in what is commonly perceived to be a ‘man’s field of work’. She also delivered some encouraging words on how never giving up on one’s personal dreams is key to levelling the playing field.  

Wildlife Biologist and Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project Founder Anya Ratnayaka

The Body Shop Sri Lanka Manager of Marketing and Training Dilhani Rathnayake

Anya further stressed on the importance of empowering girls and women across the world, and how everyone should strive to position themselves as enablers in the movement against gender inequality, in whichever capacity they are able. Also speaking at the event, The Body Shop Sri Lanka Manager of Marketing and Training Dilhani Rathnayake, took the opportunity to introduce the leading British beauty brand’s newest global charity initiative, Dream Big. 

One-third of the world’s 1.8 billion young people are not in education, training, or employed, of this group, young women are three times more likely to be unemployed or not in education. Women make up half of the world’s population, but represent 70% of the world’s poor and earn 48% less than men for the same work. The statistics are a bleak reality of the times we live in, but also serve as an urgent call to action for those willing to be change-makers.

Over the past four decades, The Body Shop has not just cemented its position as a people-centric, environmentally sustainable, and cruelty-free brand, but also as an active advocate for gender equality and female empowerment.

As part of this fight for a fairer world, the brand has partnered with global children’s charity Plan International to ‘Dream up a better world’ – alongside its army of The Body Shop customers – to together support women and girls around the world by equipping them with the knowledge, education, and tools required to become independent, achieve their potential, and take control of their own lives, so that they can be successful in the future.

This festive season, a fixed amount from each purchase at The Body Shop stores the world over will go towards making the goal of the campaign a reality, through directly contributing to projects that give these young women everything they need to succeed in life. Customers can then be assured that they too will truly be giving the gift of making dreams come true, by supporting an initiative that will provide job-oriented vocational training and skills for 1,500 girls in Indonesia and Brazil. The goal is to raise £ 250,000 for the program so girls can achieve their dream job or start up their dream business. Now everyone has the opportunity to be doubly generous this season. Gifting has never been this easy with a festive edition selection such as The Body Shop’s this year. Choose from the comforting aroma of Warm Vanilla, the luxurious fragrance of Rich Plum, or even the tantalising scent of Juicy Pear, either in beautifully pre-packed gift packs or personally curated pick of products that either cleanse, scrub, moisturise and nourish for that head-to-toe festive feel. In addition to a portion of sales going towards the Dream Big initiative, all products are 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free. The Body Shop will be giving customers the option of donating a minimum amount of Rs. 10 towards the cause if they choose to. Customers can then be assured that they too will truly be giving the gift of making dreams come true, by supporting an initiative that will provide job-oriented vocational training and skills for 1,500 girls in Indonesia and Brazil.

Give the gift of making dreams come true this festive season by contributing to The Body Shop’s ‘Dream Big’ initiative, through purchases from The Body Shop flagship store on Bagatale Road, Odel in Alexandra Place, the Kandy City Centre, and their newest store at the Colombo City Centre.