Deshika Rodrigo A unique event to celebrate International Women’s Day this year titled, ‘EmpowHer 2023’ will be held on March 22 at Hilton Colombo Residencies from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. According to a press release issued by Deshika Rodrigo-the main facilitator of the event- this programme has been exclusively curated for women who aspire to achieve phenomenal professional success. The release states, “Many working women work hard to balance work and home life and often struggle to navigate the many challenges that they must face to succeed.

This programme is, therefore, for female professionals to learn what it takes to succeed in a mostly male-dominated corporate world. “It is a highly interactive and practical programme in which, through stories, best practices, video’s and sharing of real-life experiences the participants will discuss and agree on the essential components of professional success; from a woman’s perspective. Some of the topics that will be discussed during the programme include what to do (and not do) at work, how to balance work and home priorities, developing your personal brand, bias and how to address them, self-limiting bias, body-image issues, financial awareness and investing, mental wellness and developing a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal)”. According to the press release another segment in the programme is to discuss the importance of women supporting other women. Rodrigo is a well-known figure in the world of HR and Diversity and Leadership Coaching.

She will be joined in the programme by several leading ladies like Ms. Farzana Jameel (Presidents Counsel and Former Sr. Additional Solicitor General), Ms. Christine Bandaranaike (CEO, JB Financial PVT Ltd), Ms. Roshani Weerasekera (Head Liability Management, LOLC Finance PLC) and Ms.

Shanelle De Almeida (Clinical Psychologist, TheMindManager.lk). Rodrigo has delivered this programme for several leading corporate clients and women executives over the past five years and the feedback received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. She believes that women are indeed a force and when they work together they really can achieve their highest aspirations; contrary to what some may think! Rodrigo is a passionate advocate of women’s empowerment and was instrumental in driving several key women-related initiatives at Standard Chartered Bank where she was the former Head of Human Resources.