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 Welimada in the Uva 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 Welimada. In first place, was owner of “Little Farm” – Mrs. Manoja Prashanthi, engaging in Mushrooms and Mushroom related products. In second place was the owner of “Omalmi Roses & Cattle Farm” – Mrs. Nilanthika Damayanthi engaging in Cut Flowers & Cattle Farming. In third place was the owner of “Apsara Rose Gardens” – Mrs. Hemamali Amarasekera, engaging in Cut Flowers, Vegetables and Herbs cultivation. The fourth place was shared between the owner of “Asha Flora” – Mrs. Asha Geethasaluni engaging in the business of decorative Cactus Plants and the owner of “Ceylon Fashion” – Ms. Nishadi Hansika engaging in Dress making. Each of these remarkable women were recognised and rewarded for the 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 4 provinces in the island including Northwestern, Northern, Southern and Uva provinces, empowering 175 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 tolls they need to navigate the realm of business prospects.
