Celebrating Women Beyond One Day of Recognition

Written by: Pansiluni Weerawansa

Photo by IEEE

Each year on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day takes a familiar route with bouquets of flowers, inspiring speeches, and a wave of social media posts celebrating the strength and achievements of women. Every office holds special events, brands roll out women-centric marketing campaigns, and for one day, the world seems to pause to recognize the role of women in society.

However, for many local women, their story is not confined to a single day of thanks. Their strife and success do not evaporate when the hashtags stop trending. They wake up the next morning, as they do every morning, and survive in a world that often deems their contributions less valuable. Whether they are sweating in the scorching sun amidst paddy fields, making snap economic decisions in a corporate boardroom, or presenting to a classroom of schoolchildren in a rural school, their roles in Sri Lanka’s progress cannot be denied. Yet, a lot of what they do is invisible.

It’s time to move past the clichés. Let’s actually think about what it means to honour Sri Lankan women – not in word, but in action. Let’s talk about her strength, her quiet struggles, her pioneering victories, and most of all, the changes we still need to happen. Think of your mother, your grandmother, or the women in your life. How often do we think of their sacrifices as normal? It is quite common in a Sri Lankan family for a woman to rise before the rest of the family, prepare breakfast, bathe and dress the children for school, and then leave for work or tend to the household. How many times do we pause to appreciate the work that goes into these daily routines?

Imagine the political landscape of the 1960s – a time when most of the world was still adjusting to the idea of women having the right to vote, let alone lead a country. And yet, in 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike emerged as the world’s first female prime minister, stepping into a role left vacant by the tragic assassination of her husband, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. Many doubted her capabilities assuming she would be a mere figurehead, but Sirimavo defied their expectations. She navigated complex political crises, introduced economic reforms, and cemented her place in history as a leader in her own right.
Today, Sri Lankan women in politics continue to push forward, though the journey is far from easy. Women who enter the political sphere often face not just opposition from their rivals, but also intense scrutiny over their personal lives, appearances, and even their right to be in leadership positions. From Rosy Senanayake who became Colombo’s first female mayor, to younger politicians trying to make their mark in Parliament, the fight for a truly equal political playing field is still ongoing.

Women make up a significant part of Sri Lanka’s workforce. The economic engine of Sri Lanka would not run without them, yet their contributions are often undervalued. For decades, Sri Lankan women have been quietly yet powerfully smashing barriers across various fields, proving that perseverance and passion can challenge even the deepest rooted traditions.

If you’ve ever stepped into an ODEL store, you’ve seen the legacy of Otara Gunewardene – a woman who redefined Sri Lanka’s fashion and retail industry. Starting from humble beginnings, she built ODEL into a household name, proving that homegrown businesses could compete on a global scale.
But she isn’t alone. All across Sri Lanka, women are leading tech startups, managing successful companies, and innovating within their industries. In Jaffna, women-led businesses are reviving traditional weaving techniques and exporting handloom products. In Colombo, young female tech entrepreneurs are building apps and software solutions that compete internationally. These women are not just earning an income; they are creating jobs, uplifting communities, and challenging the long-standing belief that business is a man’s world.

Then there are the home-based entrepreneurs, the silent yet powerful economic force. Picture a mother of two from Galle who bakes and sells cakes to support her family, or the young woman in Kandy handcrafting jewellery that gets shipped worldwide. These women might not always make headlines, but their contributions to the economy are invaluable. With the rise of digital platforms, more Sri Lankan women are turning their skills into businesses, proving that financial independence is within reach.
For the longest time, many careers were deemed as “unsuitable” for women. Science, engineering, sports, and technology fields had invisible barriers that kept women out. But times are changing.
Take Dr. Asha de Vos, a marine biologist whose work in ocean conservation has brought global recognition to Sri Lanka’s blue whale population. Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket captain, who continues to break records and inspires myriads of young girls to take up a sport that is traditionally dominated by men.

Then there are the countless female engineers, architects, and IT professionals who are shaping the country’s future every day. Walk into a university engineering class today, and you’ll find young women excelling in robotics, AI, and environmental science – areas that were once almost entirely male domains.
Be it a politician, an entrepreneur, a scientist, or an artist, all these women are part of a larger movement. They prove that Sri Lankan women are not just survivors but pioneers. And while the path to true gender equality is still being built, every woman who dares to step beyond societal expectations is paving the way for the next generation.

International Women’s Day isn’t about wearing pink, posting a quote on social media, or giving a speech at an event. If we truly want to celebrate and uplift women, we need to be part of the change.
Try out these ways in which you can bring about change:

1. Recognize and appreciate the women in your life
   Remember that even the smallest gesture matters. When was the last time you praised a female in your life? Doesn’t it feel great when someone acknowledges your hard work?
   Acknowledge the hard work of the women in your home, workplace, and community. Appreciation doesn’t need to come only on March 8th – try to make it a daily habit.
   
2. Challenge gender norms
   Stop questioning a woman’s choices based on outdated expectations. Whether she chooses to focus on her career, be a stay-at-home mom, or do both, remember that it’s her choice.
   
3. Raise your voice against injustice
   If you witness harassment or discrimination, don’t stay silent. Speak up, support victims, and push for systemic changes.
   
4. Support women-led businesses
   From local handicrafts to tech startups, buying from and promoting women entrepreneurs directly contributes to their financial independence. You can search the web or check out local businesses on platforms such as Instagram.
   
5. Encourage education and skill-building
   If you have the means, support a girl’s education, mentor a young woman, or simply share knowledge that can empower someone.
   
   Sri Lankan women have always been strong. They have built, nurtured, fought, and led in ways that history often forgets to document. But true celebration isn’t about looking back, it is about moving forward.
   
   This Women’s Day, let’s make a commitment not just to celebrate women, but to create a world where they don’t have to fight so hard to be seen, heard, and valued. Because when women rise, so does the entire nation.
   
   Think! How will you celebrate the women in your life today? And more importantly, how will you support them every day after?