The ‘DIVA Daathata Diriyak’ Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme organised by DIVA, the flagship laundry care brand by Hemas Consumer Brands in partnership with Women in Management (WIM), has continuously empowered women with the knowledge, skill and confidence required to navigate the entrepreneurial challenges faced in today’s economic landscape. DIVA recently hosted an exclusive event to celebrate the winners of the DIVA Daathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme held in Matale in the Central Province.
The ‘DIVA Daathata Diriyak’ Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme is a part of DIVA’s brand purpose and was designed with the primary aim of providing expert guidance, refine business acumen, skills and capabilities to women entrepreneurs. The programme has been meticulously planned and crafted to empower women entrepreneurs by endowing them with the knowledge, skill and confidence needed for the initiation, managing and strategically navigating their businesses.
DIVA launched the programme with an understanding of the challenges faced by women due to time constraints, lack of knowledge and support in pursuing their aspirations. The programme underscores DIVA’s commitment to lending a hand to talented women entrepreneurs throughout Sri Lanka. The programme monitors the progress and potential of each participant and incentivises women entrepreneurs who excel and secure top positions upon completion of the evaluations. Women entrepreneurs are assessed through a thorough evaluation process which included criteria such as business registration, accounting & bookkeeping, employment provided to other ladies, improvement in monthly sales, packaging & branding, new customer acquisition and innovative initiatives.
After assessing the advancement of the participants of the programme, the following women entrepreneurs emerged victorious in the Matale Program. In first place, was owner of “Sathsara Achcharu” – Ms. Meegaha Gedara Udulani, engaging in homemade jams and pickles. In second place was the owner of “Laksanda Bathik” – Ms. A. G. Shriyani Wickramanayake engaging in Bathik dressmaking. In third place was the owner of “Ida Products” – Ms. W. M. Vineetha Kumarihami, engaging in mushroom cultivation. The fourth place was shared between the owner of “Good Folks Mushroom” – Ms. Katuwana Hewa Paravigodage Malani engaging in mushroom cultivation and the owner of “Chamasha Beauty Salon” – Ms. K. Niranji Perera engaging Beauty Culture. Each of these remarkable women were recognised and rewarded for their extraordinary efforts.
The old saying, ‘the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world’, underscores the crucial role of women in nurturing future generations and in turn shaping the development of the nation. Understanding the importance of continuously acknowledging, safeguarding and supporting these invaluable contributions, ‘DIVA Daathata Diriyak’ Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme has successfully completed the program in 6 provinces in the island including Northwestern, Northern, Southern, Uva, Central and North Central provinces, empowering over 400 women entrepreneurs island wide. DIVA Daathata Diriyak’ Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme stands as a pillar of inspiration and empowerment, encouraging women to embrace the future with their natural strengths and talents, by providing them with tools they need to navigate the realm of business prospects.
