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 ."