International Women’s Day is a global day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also calls a mark to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year’s International Women's Day theme is: “Accelerate Action”. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity [which is roughly five generations from now], as per data from the World Economic Forum.

This year’s campaign emphasises the urgency and importance of accelerating efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and biases that impede women’s equality. IWD calls on individuals, organisations, and communities around the world to act swiftly and decisively to address gender inequality, both in personal and professional spheres. It is a call to increase momentum and break down obstacles that prevent women from reaching their full potential.

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." IWD is about gender equality in all its forms. For some, IWD is about fighting for women's rights. For others, IWD is about reinforcing key commitments, while for some IWD is about celebrating success. IWD is a truly inclusive, diverse, and eclectic moment of worldwide impact.

So together, let's all help fight the good fight. Collectively, let's #AccelerateAction for women and girls everywhere. As individuals, we can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women's advancement. We can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women's success, and so much more. Most importantly – let’s work together towards a day when IWD is no longer a requirement.

Stasshani Jayawardena - Chairperson Aitken Spence PLC, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC and Browns Beach Hotels PLC. Deputy Chairperson of Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC, Member of the Board of Directors of Stassen Group, Melstacorp PLC, and Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka. 

I feel empowering women and accelerating progress toward gender parity should begin with truly listening and understanding the challenges they face, the barriers that exist, identifying points of slow progress, and the aspirations they hold. These evolve at different points in their lives - and it is important to encourage open conversations, actively hear different perspectives, and continuously educate myself on the broader systemic factors that shape gender equality in the workplace and beyond.

At work, I collaborate with teams across our businesses to drive policies that create equal opportunities ensuring women are represented at all levels, particularly in decision-making roles. This isn’t just about fairness or equality—it’s about strengthening our businesses with diverse perspectives that lead to better outcomes. An inclusive culture doesn’t happen by chance; it requires deliberate action, from mentorship programmes and leadership development initiatives to fostering an environment where every woman feels valued and heard.

Beyond the workplace, I believe in supporting education and skills development initiatives that equip young adults/women with the tools they need to pursue and excel in their chosen fields. Providing opportunities is only part of the solution— true empowerment comes from giving women the confidence and platform to lead on their own terms. By taking these steps: listening, learning, advocating, and taking action: I feel we can accelerate meaningful change and aim for a future where gender equity is not just an ambition, but a reality. 

Nirmali Wickremesinghe - Consultant Gateway Group of Educational Institutions, Sri Lanka

Empowerment, to me, as a wife, mother of two and an educator with 50 years of experience in Government, Private, International Schools and overseas, I have realized that it is a deeply complex and multifaceted concept. For a woman, empowerment means cultivating resilience, finding balance, and embracing love—both for herself and others. It’s about strengthening not only the women around her but the people in her life as a whole.

Empowerment involves building confidence and dignity while maintaining compassion, practising self-care, and discovering true beauty; helping those around you to feel beautiful as well. It’s about standing firmly on your own, and being independent, while also allowing those who care for you to do so without feeling diminished. Empowerment is about strength, not arrogance, and creating an environment where resilience is nurtured within yourself and others. It’s about being assertive, but not overbearing, loving yourself with humility.

There’s so much depth to it. Having worked with teacher colleagues, anxious parents and adolescent young women for fifty years, I firmly believe that, while empowering young girls and women, it is vital and it’s equally important to involve boys, men, brothers, husbands, and fathers in the process. They, too, must understand what empowerment truly means and how the empowerment of women will ultimately benefit everyone. However, achieving gender parity in Sri Lanka requires urgent legal reforms.

The government must enforce stricter laws against gender-based violence and ensure equal pay for equal work. Stronger policies to support women in leadership roles, access to healthcare, and improved maternity and paternity benefits must be implemented and monitored consistently. Additionally, awareness campaigns on gender equality need to be strengthened to shift cultural norms. By prioritizing these laws, Sri Lanka can take significant steps toward achieving true gender equality. I thank God for choosing this wonderful vocation for me during which time I met many women who strengthened me when I needed a shoulder to cry on and for blessing me by giving me countless opportunities to do the same.

Finally, to my husband who is a true example of enabling me to be who I am without any interference when I have had to spend countless hours away from him, with other men and women helping them to discover themselves, I say a big thank you. 

Manoja Kumari Wadugodapitiya - Managing Director PAMS Hydro (Pvt) Ltd & Arsulana Eco Lodge

Empowering women and ensuring gender parity in Sri Lanka requires action at every level; individual, community, and government. As a woman from a middle-class background who became an entrepreneur and social advocate, I understand the challenges and opportunities in this journey. Gender equality must take root in schools. I advocate for gender-sensitive education, mentorship, and skills-building programmes to empower girls. Schools should provide safe spaces where they can explore leadership, STEM education, and career ambitions without societal limitations.

At home, fostering shared responsibilities and having open discussions about gender roles, helps break stereotypes. Families play a key role in ensuring boys and girls grow up with mutual respect and equitable opportunities. In workplaces, as Managing Director of PAMS Hydropower and Arsulana Eco Lodge, I mentor women and support their career growth. Through Simply Women, I provide skills training for underprivileged women and former inmates, helping them achieve financial independence. Personal efforts alone aren’t enough, we need government action. Sri Lanka must enforce the Gender Equality Act, strengthen laws against gender-based violence, and provide financial assistance and mentorship for women entrepreneurs. True gender parity requires collaboration at every level, ensuring equal opportunities for all. 

Melanie J. Kanaka - Global President CIMA - 2022/23, Senior Finance Professional World Bank, South Asia Region 

Women’s empowerment is multifaceted and requires a cohesive and concerted effort from all sectors of society. By fostering equality within the family, promoting economic equity, and ensuring political and social representation, we can create an environment where humanity thrives. Women's empowerment begins with the family nucleus within the home. A home where every girl child is afforded the same opportunities as the boy child; where every daughter and every son is treated alike – the access to a healthy environment of parity education for all and the values of equality are fostered within our society.

When children are exposed to an environment of equality they begin to thrive and develop their own self-worth. This brings them to adulthood in which they grow with confidence and are nurtured, thus transforming into confident adults who add value to society. The values of equity and inclusion are fundamental to the development and empowerment of women. Women must have equal representation in decision-making processes at all levels of government and within organizations. Equal pay for equal work is critical to ensure that women's empowerment continues in the workforce. In many areas, gender parity is almost non-existent or is disproportionate. Equality of pay scales is one key area where employment policies and government regulation can help. 

Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake - Chairperson, Indira Cancer Trust, Director, Suwa Arana – A Place for Healing 

Every day at the Indira Cancer Trust, we witness the resilience of women who refuse to be defined by their illness. A mother holding back tears as she shaves her head, a young girl wearing her first wig with renewed confidence, a widow learning a new skill to support her family— these moments are why we do what we do. We provide more than wigs or prostheses; we give back dignity, hope, and the reassurance that no woman fights alone.

For children whose mothers are battling cancer, we ensure their education continues, their dreams remain intact. For caregivers— often women sacrificing everything for their loved ones—we create pathways to financial independence so they are not left behind once the battle is over. At Suwa Arana, healing is not just medical—it is emotional, psychological, and deeply human. Our women-led teams nurture, comfort, and stand beside children and families in their most vulnerable moments. But empowerment must go beyond compassion.

Caregiving must be recognized as real work, deserving of financial and social security. Women returning to the workforce after illness must be given opportunities, not obstacles. Every woman, regardless of wealth, must have access to life-saving cancer treatment. This is not about privilege; it is about fairness. No woman should ever have to choose between her health, her dignity, or her family’s future. Together, we can change this reality— starting now. 

Ayanthi Gurusinghe - Director Cord360.com, President Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneur SL & Director South Asian Women Development Forum – SL Chapter

On International Women’s Day, we must go beyond celebration and actively drive gender parity. Women’s empowerment is not just a concept—it demands continuous effort at both personal and systemic levels. As a Director at Cord360.com and President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs SL, I work towards an equitable professional environment by advocating for mentorship, equal pay, and gender-inclusive leadership.

Providing platforms for women to voice concerns and eliminating workplace biases are key to fostering true inclusion. At home, as a mother to a young daughter and a son, I encourage shared responsibilities and progressive values. I firmly believe that supporting young women in education, leadership, and financial independence is crucial to dismantling societal barriers that limit their potential.

However, personal efforts must be reinforced by strong legal frameworks. The Sri Lankan government must enforce equal pay laws, implement workplace anti-discrimination policies, and mandate paid paternity leave to promote shared caregiving. Further, stronger legal action against gender-based violence, increased female representation in politics, and enhanced access to STEM education, financial resources, and reproductive healthcare are critical to accelerating progress. 

Ashcharya Jayakody Public Speaker / Corporate Trainer

In both professional and personal spheres, accelerating gender parity begins with conscious, everyday actions. At work, I advocate for equitable opportunities—championing women’s leadership roles, mentoring young female colleagues, and addressing unconscious biases in hiring and promotions. Transparent pay audits and fostering inclusive environments ensure meritocracy thrives. At home, shared domestic responsibilities and open conversations with family dismantle stereotypes, nurturing respect and equality from an early age.

Supporting women-owned businesses and amplifying women’s voices in community initiatives further reinforces this commitment. For systemic change, Sri Lanka must urgently enact and enforce laws bridging gender gaps. Prioritizing stringent anti-discrimination legislation in workplaces, including equal pay mandates and penalties for harassment, is critical. Strengthening the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to criminalize marital rape and protect survivors is imperative.

Political reform introducing quotas for women in local and national governance can dismantle entrenched patriarchal barriers. Additionally, universal access to sexual health education, affordable childcare, and parental leave policies would alleviate caregiving burdens disproportionately borne by women. Monitoring these laws requires an independent Gender Equality Commission, to audit compliance and address grievances. Education reforms must integrate gender sensitization into curricula, fostering future generations as allies. True empowerment demands individual accountability and institutional courage. By embedding equity into daily practice and policy, Sri Lanka can transform into a nation where every woman thrives. The time for action is now. 

Enoka P. Kudavidanage - Professor in Conservation Biology, Sabaragamuwa University and Tropical Ecosystem Research Network. 

Sri Lankans have a deep connection to nature. Growing up in a family that valued environmental awareness, I was encouraged to pursue biodiversity conservation—an uncommon field for women at the time. My empowerment began at home, a lesson I now share with parents of young girls and the young men I mentor, who will one day play a role in fostering gender equality. As a wildlife conservation biologist, I mentor female students, encouraging careers in biodiversity conservation and excelling in field-based science, where female representation remains low. By sharing my experiences and challenges, I inspire them to explore research opportunities that were once scarce for women.

Providing mentorship, field training, and academic guidance can significantly accelerate gender parity in the environmental sector. Conservation fieldwork can often be challenging for women due to societal perceptions and safety concerns. I advocate for policies that ensure safe and supportive research environments. Additionally, fair access to research grants, leadership roles, and flexible work environments are crucial for empowering women in science and conservation. I also conduct educational programmes for school children, advocating for inclusive opportunities for girls and fostering their connection with nature through focused outreach initiatives. Curiosity and passion for nature can be transformative, and the support of inspiring women has shaped my journey—I strive to pass that empowerment forward. 

Zahara Abdeen CEO, Zest Metropole, Colombo 

As a Managing Director / Director / Mother, handling employees, guests and, family, I aim to ensure they are satisfied by treating them with respect equally and evenly, across any challenges. In the process of recruitment, whether it be at a managerial or operational level at work, or a simple domestic worker at home, I look beyond gender and delve deeper beyond skills and attributes, of the individuals who I hire. As a mother of 2 boys and 2 girls with a variety of interests, I treat my kids equally at home at all times, giving them an equal say in all decisions I make. Eliminating gender-based discrimination in the workplace is vital for creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive.

Companies must encourage the implementation of gender sensitivity training and fair treatment. Policies must ensure, that women who have not worked formally, have equal access to pension schemes. Many older women face economic insecurity in formal employment, hence the introduction of policies that take into account informal and caregiving services will create greater stability for these women. These strategies will help empower women economically, promote gender equality and contribute to a more prosperous Sri Lanka.

Sunela Jayewardene - Environmental Architect, Regenerative Land-use Specialist & Author 

To my understanding, empowerment is to accord respect to another woman. My respect is for their personal dignity, their skills, knowledge and the compassion with which they conduct their daily lives. If it were a Prime Minister, a powerful professional, a sex worker, an unpaid and unacknowledged homemaker or a desperate street sweeper… Ultimately it is the dignity and the absence of pettiness in a woman who seeks to achieve her goals, that I will always respect. In my work and daily life, as a mother of daughters and grandmother of granddaughters, I have always encouraged women to rise above patriarchy and whenever possible, given women wings to fly.

Having worked in a male-dominated field, I am most aware that the glass ceiling is hard to shatter - it comes with the usual ‘dog tags’ and resentment, whereas, a man in the same arena would be instantly respected for strength and leadership. However, if the Women’s Empowerment Law, which was passed in 2024 is urgently implemented, it will begin the long, overdue process of gender parity in Sri Lanka. I do hope that in my lifetime I witness the reclamation of the matrilineal societies that existed in Lanka before Western colonisation. 

Tamara Dharmakirti Herath Chairperson Alliance Finance PLC and Consultant Financial Services 

As a career woman much of my progress was due to my ability to focus and learn on the job from renowned predecessors and pass on the knowledge I gained with joy to those who work with me and delegate as appropriate, prioritizing my efforts towards critical areas. Based on the season of life, priorities change. I altered my involvement in my professional life to be able to nurture my child during the most critical phase of his development whilst selectively being engaged in my professional life and subsequently returned to full-time engagement in my career with a support system from my family for which I am ever grateful.

Women in Sri Lanka come from a society with a rich matriarchal history spanning over centuries, where women in Sri Lanka have traditionally held more balanced roles and responsibilities both within the home and in the broader community, with the help of the family support system. Today many women have migrated from rural areas to urban centres in search of better employment in the absence of adequate employment opportunities locally, particularly in the formal sector further culminating with the lack of an efficient transport system to commute to work from their own homes.

Thus the safety net and support system from family and society which is second nature to our Asian culture has been compromised, resulting in many working women in urban environments shouldering greater burdens, without the same level of support from their extended families. It is therefore crucial for the government to recognize the lack of social safeguards in urban settings and take action to help working women be able to bring up their children, whilst having an opportunity to continue working.

World over, many countries have undertaken to provide an adequate support system to encourage women to undertake the very important role of parenting, without depriving their career prospects and consequently economic benefits. Countries like Chile, Sweden and Norway have set a benchmark, facilitating women to sustain their financial stability while raising children. For most Sri Lankan Women the ability to support the financial needs of the family whilst taking care of their children is imperative, especially given the economic challenges.

As such the government needs to bring about meaningful reforms to support women in their careers without compromising their role as a mother. It is essential that the government recognizes the important role women play in both nurturing the emotional intelligence of children and their ability to contribute towards the economic well-being of the family and the nation at large. 

Rajitha Jayasuriya, Director of Corporate Affairs at MAS Holdings

As a corporate leader in an industry with a predominantly female workforce, I have the opportunity—and responsibility, as extending—to champion gender parity through strategic policies and practical initiatives, beyond employment, empowering women with leadership development, to financial literacy, and career advancement opportunities. We also address critical topics such as gender-based violence prevention, unconscious bias, and reproductive health, equipping women with the tools to take control of their futures.

This empowerment extends beyond the workplace. Equipping women with financial knowledge, confidence, and autonomy ensures they become stronger decision-makers at home and in their communities. When women are financially independent and well-informed, they challenge outdated norms and influence future generations. However, systemic change requires national action. Sri Lanka must prioritize policies that enforce equal pay, strengthen maternity and paternity rights, and implement stricter protections against workplace harassment. Additionally, embedding gender equality into early education is crucial for dismantling biases before they take root. True progress happens when these conversations continue beyond the workplace. The lessons we learn must shape our homes and communities, ensuring that the next generation grows up in a society where gender equity is not just an aspiration, but a reality.