International Women’s Day is a time to honour the strength, resilience and achievements of women while advocating for equality and empowerment. This year, the Foundation of Goodness celebrated the occasion across all our Village Heartbeat Empowerment (VHE) Centres and the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama, ensuring that women and girls from rural communities had the opportunity to learn, engage and be inspired.
A Day of Learning and Empowerment at the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama
At the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama, 50 women gathered for a special programme under the theme “Empower and Resilient Women’s Strength.” Many of the participants were experiencing such an event for the first time and while some initially found it challenging to express themselves, the interactive sessions encouraged them to open up and engage.
The event featured a powerful session by Ms. Malsha, a senior psychological counsellor from the Sri Lanka Family Planning Association (FPA), focusing on gender-based violence and mental well-being. Mental health remains a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of women’s empowerment and this session provided vital insights and coping strategies.
Additionally, the National Youth Services Council’s trainers conducted engaging activities that encouraged teamwork, self-expression and leadership. Women participated in team-building exercises, creative workshops and discussions on respecting different perspectives. By the end of the session, they left with valuable knowledge and also a sense of encouragement and community support.
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Empowering Women Across Our Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres
Across our 20 Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres, women came together to celebrate their strength and potential through a variety of activities. Some of the highlights included:
- Inspiring talks on leadership and resilience – Several accomplished women from different backgrounds spoke about the importance of women’s leadership in society, education and the workforce while sharing their own experiences to motivate young girls to pursue their dreams.
- Interactive discussions on gender equality and balance – These sessions provided an open space for women to share their thoughts, understand their rights and explore ways to support each other.
- Fun and engaging activities – From musical chairs to team games, participants enjoyed moments of laughter and camaraderie, reinforcing the message that empowerment can also come through joy and shared experiences.
- Encouraging hard work and perseverance – Through motivational talks, participants were reminded that dedication and resilience can break down barriers and pave the way for success.
Looking Ahead
The International Women’s Day celebrations across our centres were not just about one day of recognition but about fostering long-term empowerment. Women from different backgrounds came together, learned from one another and left feeling stronger and more inspired.
At the Foundation of Goodness, we are committed to ensuring that rural women and girls have access to opportunities that allow them to grow, lead and thrive. This year’s celebrations reinforced the importance of education, mental well-being, leadership and community support in the journey towards gender equality.
Here’s to empowered women, uplifting each other and shaping a better future together!
