Northern Women’s Day in Vavuniya

Monday, 21 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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More than 1,000 participants including 650 entrepreneurs from the Northern Province celebrated International Women’s Day on 12 March at the Vavuniya Maha Vidyalaya Grounds. The event was organised by Nucleus Foundation and supported by USAID and the Scaling up Nutrition People’s Forum in partnership with the Industrial Development Board and Department of Industries, Northern Province. Families from the Northern Province and bordering villages of Padaviya, Kebithigollewa and Welioya participated at this event.

The Chief Guest of the event Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen visited some of the stalls along with Chelsea Polling from USAID and spoke to female entrepreneurs who exhibited their products.

Guest of Honour USAID/Sri Lanka Contracting Officer Chelsea Polling speaking at the event said that USAID has been supporting female entrepreneurs for several decades. It has helped them to identify new markets and expand their businesses. Everyone – men, women and children can contribute by respecting and valuing the role played by women, in the homes, in the work places and within the enterprises they collaborate. Each of us here, can commit to take responsibility, to ensure that we work together to make a better life for our families and contribute to the economic development of our village, region and the country.

Women participated in the International Women’s Day celebrations and enjoyed the games and competitions lined up for them.

Technical sessions were conducted on entrepreneurship and small business counselling while advice was provided on health and nutrition related topics.