DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, #EmbraceEquity

Once again Interbrand in association with the Daily FT will celebrate International Women’s Day [ IWD ] 2023, the themes being – “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, and #EmbraceEquity, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world. The celebration will be held at a gala event on 7th April at the Oak Room of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, commencing at 7 pm. 

Interbrand is the world’s leading brand consultancy, specializing in brands and branding management, with 24 offices in 17 countries.  The New York-based consultancy publishes the Best Global Brands report on an annual basis which identifies the world's 100 most valuable brands. For the past 20 years, Interbrand has been putting value on the world’s top brands. In an era when the intangible value has become a critical measure of organisational performance, Interbrand’s ‘Best Global Brands’ is the definitive source of knowledge.

“We are indebted to our partners for this event, many of who have been with us consistently, and we hope they will continue the association with us in the years to come as well”, said Partner Interbrand Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Chairman Headlines PR, Anusha David.  

The United Nations Observance of IWD recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. IWD 2023 will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. The event will also spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence. 

A call to  #EmbraceEquity will help establish a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. One that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated, globally.

The welcome address will be delivered by Ashish Mishra,  Head of Interbrand, India, while this year, the curtain raiser will be one with a very big difference indeed. 

Several women leaders will also address the audience on the two themes, aligning their addresses to their respective areas of work as per the IWD themes. They are Maud Meijboom-van Wel – Managing Director HEINEKEN Lanka Limited, Urmila Chandrasekeram Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Mintpay, Dinara Punchihewa film and theatre actor, Shashi Kandambi Jassim Senior Deputy General Manager International Banking at Sampath Bank , Mahesha Amarasuriya Director at Mastercard Sri Lanka, Nabeela Iqbal Activist and Founder Sisterhood Initiative, while moderating the session in his own inimitable style will be Editor in Chief and CEO, Daily FT, Nisthar Cassim, not forgetting the interactive Q and A session which last year almost took over the evening due to the tremendous interest and enthusiasm displayed by the audience. 

This year’s curtain raiser which is one with a difference and is designed and choreographed by Brian Kerkoven will see men and women walking the ramp, personifying themselves and their individuality and talking of how they #EMBRACE EQUITY in their personal and professional lives. 

Maud Meijboom-van Wel, along with her husband, Devaan and Shanelle Hallock who are both in the medical profession, lawyers Ruen and Venuri Wijesekere, Life Coach Yasodhara and husband Ruki, Master hairdresser and stylist Gerald Solomons, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera Founder and Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND, dancer Tarja de Silva and husband Alberto, both founders of T&A Fitness, Soraya De Zoysa Director Silvacos, Sothys Sri Lanka & The Estheti centre, Interior Designer Chamika Wickremasinghe, trailblazing fashion designer Kamil Hewawitharana, Founders of resort wear brand Rum Punch Rukshi and Binara Seneviratne, Model and Make up artiste Saji Drake, Model Shan de Silva, and talented vocalist Tanuja and husband Hasitha Raymond the husband and wife team behind Kinetic Fitness, will all be demonstrating how they Embrace Equity.  

Thanuja Perera will render the opening song, once again one of empowerment, while Tarja de Silva and her partner Bharatha who have been dancing together for over 10 years will perform a dance choreographed very specially for women’s day. Delectable canapés, a gourmet six-course, white glove, silver service, sit-down dinner, choice beverages, luxury door gifts courtesy Sothys and Triumph Sloggi, entrance ticket draws, music for dancing, chocolates on departure and of course an evening which will provide not just entertainment but much food for thought, will ensure that once again the Interbrand, Daily FT,  International Women’s Day celebration, will be a night to remember! 

In the words of  G. D. Anderson, “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength”.