S T O R I E S O F I M PACT:
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W I M A L A D I S A N A Y A K E
W O M E N ' S E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P P R O G R A M
Wimala resides in the Palle Aparekka Grama Niladhari Division located within the Dondra District. She is member of the Women’ s Entrepreneurship Program having recently joined in September 2016. Currently, Wimala is a stay at home mother and self-employed with a business in decorative flower plantation. Prior to this, she had an egg selling business for income generation. She transitioned to her flower business as a permanent area of work. She joined WEP so that she could access training opportunities and business development knowledge. As well, she wanted to learn how to access loans to invest into her work. She she is fully dedicated to her entrepreneurship pursuits stating,“’ I ' m firmly determined to achieve my future goals after joining this program. My only hope is to be a successful women entrepreneur and to provide knowledge and guidance for women like me.” Since her time with WEP, she has improved her awareness and skills. Wimala has learned about the varieties of plants that are currently in demand, how to access local markets, and how to balance home and work life. She has also been able to connect with other women in her village through knowledge sharing spaces and village societies. Through these networks, innovative welfare programs, trainings and initiatives are being explored. Wimala envisions a future in which there are many successful female entrepreneurs who are able to bring their products in competitive markets.
" My only hope is to be a successful women entrepreneur and to provide knowledge and guidance for women like me."