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USAID staff speak with women entrepreneurs supported by USAID and WDF training and mentorship programs in Weerawira
March 6, 2024 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Women’s Development Federation (WDF) recognize 40 resilient women entrepreneurs from the southern region of Sri Lanka for their successful ‘Trade and Market Access Capacity Building Program for Women Entrepreneurs’ It commemorated the culmination of the event.At ceremonies in Hambantota, Galle, Matara and Monaragala. Weerawira. These women entrepreneurs completed a year-long journey during which they received training and mentorship from USAID and WDF, giving them essential skills to effectively manage their micro and small businesses. Additionally, we are also gaining valuable insights to expand our market reach and access domestic and international trade opportunities. The U.S.-backed program marks a significant milestone in empowering women-led and women-owned businesses and driving the region’s socio-economic development.
Some of the inspiring success stories emerging from the program include that of HG Neelika Prasanthi, owner of Kavishka Products, based in Hungama, Hambantota. Mr. Prasanti reflected on his experience and expressed his determination to leverage the new skills acquired through this initiative to take the toy manufacturing business to greater heights. Prasanti, who plans to invest in cutting-edge technology to increase production capacity, has already taken the vital step of practicing good bookkeeping to ensure the financial sustainability of his business. I am.
The program’s curriculum has been carefully designed based on evaluations by the Women’s Development Federation (WDF) to address the unique needs, challenges, and untapped opportunities of aspiring entrepreneurs. Prasanti said, “This USAID-supported initiative has provided us with valuable insights into marketing management, entrepreneurship, and financial management, giving us knowledge that was previously inaccessible. ”, highlighting the program’s transformative impact.
U.S. support for collaboration through USAID’s Partnership for Trade, National and Revenue Results (PARTNER) initiative and WDF highlights shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth and empowering women in Sri Lanka’s growing small business sector It is something to do. Dennis Wesner, USAID Deputy Director for Economic Growth, reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and emphasized the critical role they play in advancing Sri Lanka’s economic agenda. “Successful entrepreneurs take advantage of all the resources and support available to them. Here, the connections they make through this program, including peer support, can help them get through tough times,” Wesner said. I did.
Suryani Mangalika, Managing Director of WDF, praised the perseverance and dedication shown by these women entrepreneurs and acknowledged the challenges they have overcome in their entrepreneurial journey. “Running a small business is not easy and requires unwavering commitment and resilience, especially for women entrepreneurs who are juggling multiple responsibilities,” Mangalika said. “We admire their tenacity and remain confident in their ability to achieve their aspirations while serving as catalysts for positive change in their communities.”
About USAID: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. government agency working to end extreme poverty around the world and enable resilient, democratic societies to reach their potential. USAID has provided economic development and humanitarian assistance around the world for more than 60 years.
About USAID partners: USAID’s Partnership for Accelerated Results in Trade, National Expenditures, and Revenue (PARTNER) initiative minimizes trade bottlenecks, promotes foreign direct investment (FDI), and supports small and medium-sized enterprises, private sector associations, commerce and industry. We are working to strengthen the chamber’s capacity. Commerce to foster a vibrant private sector in Sri Lanka. Partners in Strengthening Public Financial Management and Trade Openness in Sri Lanka are working with WDF to build the resilience of women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the southern region. This initiative complements the link between women’s empowerment and small business development in the region.
About WDF: The Women’s Development Federation (WDF) is dedicated to promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Sri Lanka through capacity building, advocacy and empowerment initiatives. Since its inception, WDF has been a driving force in promoting gender equality and socio-economic inclusion across the country.
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