📈 She Radiates 2026: Female Leaders Push for Economic Inclusion

The inaugural "She Radiates 2026" forum, organized by WeOptimize, highlighted the critical need for increased female participation in Sri Lanka’s formal economy and corporate leadership. • Workforce Statistics (Provisional): Current female labor force participation: ~30%. Female representation on Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) listed boards: 10%. • Sector Focus & Leadership Insights: Apparel & Textiles: Rajitha Jayasuriya (Chairperson, SLAEA) emphasized purpose-driven leadership and collective success as vital for the industry’s growth. Hospitality & Tourism: Nayantara Fonseka (CEO, NyneHotels) and Sheanna Gardiner (Director, Galle Face Hotel) advocated for resilience and emotional intelligence in navigating sector challenges. Legal & Corporate Governance: Panelists urged women to build deep expertise to dismantle masculine norms in courtrooms and structural barriers in boardrooms. SMEs & Personal Branding: Sessions by GFlock, Radi, and Ramani Fernando linked personal branding and confidence to professional credibility and individual success. • Strategic Goals: The event aims to build a mentorship-driven network to help women achieve their full potential, emphasizing that women can act as "anchors" to support the broader economy through workforce diversification and leadership.