WCIC urges govt. and corporate leaders for increased procurement from women-owned businesses

Gayani de Alwis

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) yesterday appealed to government officials and corporate leaders to increase procurement from women-owned businesses, so that greater economic inclusion and support for female entrepreneurs is promoted within the country.

WCIC Chairperson Gayani de Alwis called on policymakers and business leaders to take an active role in fostering growth opportunities for women-led enterprises.

“I urge government officials and corporate leaders present today to support these women-owned, women-led businesses by consciously allocating part of your procurement spend to these businesses,” de Alwis said while addressing the National Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024 held in Colombo last evening.

The event featured Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, and U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung as special invitees.

To encourage such partnerships, de Alwis shared that the WCIC plans to introduce a structured framework to help women entrepreneurs access business opportunities. The chamber will also develop criteria for enlisting such businesses.

The focus of WCIC is to support women entrepreneurs, women in corporate sectors, upskill women in the informal sector, and assist its members.

The chamber typically creates market access opportunities for women, supports their engagement in business, and prepares them to be export-ready by building capacity. While enabling safe workplaces is a priority, WCIC has also worked to remove barriers through policy advocacy since its establishment.

Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi