The Sri Lanka Chapter of Women in Tech, a global movement committed to empowering women and girls in STEAM sectors, recently concluded two insightful sessions in collaboration with the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) Galle, coinciding with International Women’s Day (IWD).
The sessions aimed to inspire and empower women and girls to pursue careers in technology and STEM fields, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the industry. Dr. D M A Kulasooriya, Director General of NIBM, welcomed the gathering. The sponsors include MiHCM, Insighture, and Fortude, and Mark and Comm as strategic communications partner.
The first session, titled “Wonder Women in Tech: Empowering Future,” delved into the challenges and triumphs of women in the tech industry, featuring keynote speeches by esteemed speakers.
Dr. Chithral Ambawatte, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna, emphasized the resilience and credibility of women in tech, citing examples of their remarkable achievements despite obstacles. Prof. Harshini Rajapakse, a distinguished psychiatrist, underscored the importance of solidarity among women and advocated for gender equality starting from the household.
Jezla Latiff, Director of Partnerships at Women in Tech Sri Lanka, delivered a powerful keynote speech titled “Inspiring Inclusivity,” addressing the underrepresentation of women in tech both in education and the workforce and calling for proactive steps to foster inclusivity and empower future generations.
In her speech on “Women in Leadership,” Pubudini Abeysekara, GM of Business Operations at MiHCM, shared her personal journey overcoming gender bias and advocating for gender equality. She highlighted instances of bias in interviews and differences in upbringing between genders and emphasized the importance of meritocracy in creating a fair and inclusive workplace. Pubudini, a mother of three boys, continues to challenge stereotypes.
Chathini Uduwana, Ambassador of Women in Tech Sri Lanka, delivered a comprehensive speech titled “EmpowerHer: Excelling in the Industry – Strategies for Success and Making an Impact,” highlighting the importance of top talent entry-level employees, industry trends, soft skills, and adaptation to the workforce.
The second session, “Future Tech Femmes, Inspiring Girls in STEM,” catered to A/L school students and focused on empowering the next generation of digital citizens. Hasara Liyanage, the keynote speaker, emphasized holistic wellbeing and advocated for establishing healthy boundaries, providing practical guidance and strategies to navigate challenges. Limashi Rashmika, CEO of LUXN, shared her inspiring journey in the tech industry, encouraging students to pursue their passions and overcome doubts.
The sessions received overwhelming support from attendees, with special thanks extended to Dr. Anusha Liyanage and Shamali Asanthi for their contributions.
“We are sincerely grateful to NIBM Galle for their dedication and collaboration on this meaningful cause,” said Chathini Uduwana, Ambassador of Women in Tech Sri Lanka. “These sessions underscore our commitment to championing diversity, equality, and inclusion in STEAM sectors.”
As Women in Tech Sri Lanka continues its mission to empower women and girls in technology and STEM fields, it invites individuals and organizations to join the movement and be part of this transformative journey.
Since its inception in 2018, Women in Tech have evolved into one of the world’s premier organizations supporting women in STEAM. To date, it has already made a significant impact on the lives of over a third of a million people worldwide, aligning with and contributing to the achievement of seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information, please visit www.women-in-tech.org.