Colombo, November 2025
As the world celebrates International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19 and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) stands proud as a united voice of women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka.
A Sri Lankan Context of Urgency and Hope
In Sri Lanka, women form nearly 52% of the population, yet their contribution to the formal economy remains disproportionately low, with female labour force participation hovering around 34%. Many women, particularly those heading households, are trapped in informal or precarious employment, struggling with limited access to capital, markets, and technology. At the same time, gender-based violence continues to cast a long shadow — with one in three Sri Lankan women estimated to experience some form of violence in their lifetime. For many, financial insecurity reinforces cycles of dependency and silence, making economic empowerment not just a development priority but a human rights imperative.
The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), as a member of the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), a partner of the FAME programme funded by AFD, works to advance women’s empowerment and collective mobilisation. By connecting chambers, cooperatives, and community networks under one umbrella, the organisation provides women with economic tools to transform vulnerability into strength, and collective platforms to challenge the cultural barriers that have long hindered their progress.
Voices of Leadership and Collaboration
Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs and partner of the FAME Programme, stated emphasized the dual significance of the two commemorations:
“Entrepreneurship is a pathway to empowerment — when women own their income, they reclaim their dignity and voice. At CCWE, we believe in transforming compassion into action, ensuring that every woman entrepreneur — whether in a city or a village — has equal access to markets, finance, and safety. The elimination of gender-based violence begins with economic independence.”
Mr. Rajeeva Senaratna, Finance Manager for the FAME Project, shared his experience:
“Thanks to FAME, CCWE and its partners have been able to support hundreds of women—strengthening their skills, offering mentorship, and creating safe and encouraging spaces for entrepreneurship. This work is not only helping women improve their livelihoods, but also advancing social justice and gender equality.”
Partner Chamber Statements
Ms. Nilanthi Perera, Director, Dirilalana Development Services Company, stated: “Our focus has always been on community empowerment. Working with CCWE allows us to bring structured training, digital literacy, and financial inclusion to rural women who are often left behind. Together, we create sustainable change.”
Mrs. Kanthi Madagammana, President, Central Province Women’s Chamber of Small Industries and Commerce, shared: “Women entrepreneurs in the Central Province are resilient.With support from the FAME Programme and CCWE, we now have better access to national networks, enabling our members to grow businesses and advocate against domestic and workplace violence.”
Mrs. Daya Dadallage, Chairperson, Ruhunu Rural Women Organisation(RRWO), expressed: “Rural women are the backbone of the economy. Through our collaboration in this project , we strengthen women’s cooperatives, introduce skill training, and promote awareness programs against gender-based violence.“
Ruhunu Rural Women Organisation(RRWO)
” Mrs. W.Kumuduni, Founder, Kantha Nagma Development Services, added: “Our work with marginalized women emphasizes healing, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. We believe economic strength is a foundation for freedom and peace.”
Kantha Nagma: Workshop Floriculture
The Power of a Consortium
The ongoing FAME Project, implemented with grassroots partners such as Dirilalana, Kantha Nagma, and the Ruhunu and Central Province Chambers, demonstrates how collaboration between economic and social networks can deliver tangible impact.
The upcoming awareness video, directed by the FAME project team, captures the collective spirit of these initiatives — featuring the voices of Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, Ms. Jemika Silva, and women leaders from partner organizations. The short film underscores the message that economic empowerment and freedom from violence are inseparable goals — and that empowering one woman uplifts an entire community.
About CCWE
The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) is Sri Lanka’s foremost consortium of provincial and thematic women’s chambers. It works to empower women entrepreneurs, strengthen institutional capacity, and advocate for gender equality in trade, finance, and governance.
CCWE implements the FAME Project in Sri Lanka, where it aims to empower over 1,000 women entrepreneurs through access to finance, digital platforms, and inclusive economic networks — promoting a Sri Lanka where women are safe, successful, and seen.
