Regional launch of the FAME project on 28 January in Colombo, Sri Lanka: economic empowerment of South Asian women in the spotlight
On Tuesday, 28 January 2025, the launch event for the FAME project for the South Asia region was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Implemented by a consortium of six non-governmental organisations representing different regions, the FAME project’s objectives span three continents and ten countries. In South Asia, the project targets feminist civil society organisations in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, thanks to the expertise of the South Asia Women Development Forum, a network based in Nepal which, through its members, has representations in these three countries.
Over 75 distinguished guests including CSO leaders participated in the occasion, contributing to the event’s significance and impact.
Accredited by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, SAWDF represents a consortium of federations, chambers of commerce, associations and institutions of women entrepreneurs active at national level and has chapters in seven countries in the region. The organisation works to promote gender equality and facilitate women’s entrepreneurship through advocacy, networking and capacity-building. The FAME project is implemented by its chapters in three countries: the Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DWCCI) in Bangladesh, the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) in Sri Lanka, and the Bahawalpur Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) in Pakistan, under the coordination of the head office based in Nepal.
Activities began in 2024, in preparation for the first Call for Expressions of Interest from feminist civil society organisations. After mapping the organisations concerned in the three countries, the teams went out to meet the organisations closest to the FAME project’s eligibility criteria to get to know them better and carry out a survey of their financial needs. On the basis of their responses, organisations were selected to take part in the call for projects and were then given support in writing their proposals. In December, a regional award committee met to select several CSOs to receive a grant and individual and collective support.
Civil society organisations run by women for women, working for the economic empowerment of women and marginalised communities were selected.
The event on 28 February was an opportunity to present the objectives of the overall project and to highlight the initiatives supported by FAME. After opening and welcoming remarks from the Ministers for Women, Industry and Tourism, the French Embassy, the Agence Française de Développement and Geres, SAWDF representatives presented their work and civil society organisations presented their projects. Five organisations were selected for Sri Lanka, based in different provinces of the country:
- Dirilalana Development Services company, Colombo, Western Province
- Central Province Women’s Chamber of Small Industries & Commerce (CPWCIC), Kandy, Central Province
- Kantha Nagma Development Society, Kandy, Central Province
- Ruhunu Rural Women’s Organisation, Hambantota, Southern Province
- Abimana Community Development Association (ACDA), Bingiriya, Kuliyapitiya, North Central Province
The Bangladeshi and Pakistani partners were also able to invite a number of organisations from their countries: the Center for Women and Children Studies from Bangladesh, the Facilitation Alliance and the All Pakistan Women Association from Pakistan. The various projects selected are aimed at the economic empowerment of women and marginalised communities, notably through vocational training and support for entrepreneurship, as well as raising awareness of gender equality and building capacity to adapt to climate change. The grants are also aimed at strengthening the structure of feminist civil society organisations.
Towards the finale of the day, an inclusive fashion show was organised by Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), Sri Lanka to highlight the initiatives of young women and representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in the fashion industry. Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, the first female President of Sri Lanka (1994-2005), honoured the gathering with her presence and an opening speech on the infinite potential of women, whatever the social and cultural barriers they have to overcome.
In addition to financial support, the FAME project offers networking and a range of capacity-building tools, in particular via a digital learning platform open to all the feminist organisations identified by the project.
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