By: Staff Writer
March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward fostering gender-inclusive trade policies with the launch of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in partnership with ITC SheTrades, this initiative aims to support women entrepreneurs by enhancing policy frameworks and providing better access to economic opportunities.
As the official host institution, the EDB utilizes the SheTrades Outlook (STO) tool to assess the policy environment and its impact on women-led enterprises. This data-driven tool helps governments identify gender gaps in trade policies and implement necessary reforms to ensure women entrepreneurs receive the support they need to succeed.
Since 2019, STO has collaborated with Sri Lanka to track and improve gender-responsive trade policies. On March 21, EDB and STO hosted a workshop to present the latest insights on the country’s progress in this area.
Key advancements highlighted during the workshop include:
National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: This policy prioritizes economic empowerment through employment and entrepreneurship.
Standard Definitions for Women-Owned Businesses: The introduction of standardized definitions facilitates the collection of accurate gender-sensitive data.
National Financial Inclusion Strategy: Launched by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in March 2021, this initiative improves women’s access to formal financial services.
Financial Literacy Roadmap 2024-2028: A program designed to enhance financial knowledge among women, ensuring greater economic participation.
These policy developments represent significant strides in closing gender gaps in Sri Lanka’s economic sector. During the workshop, held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, stakeholders from various institutions engaged in discussions to validate findings and identify further opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Export Development Board, emphasized the importance of these insights: “Through SheTrades Outlook data and discussions with 20+ national stakeholders, we have identified key policy areas for improvement. We remain committed to addressing these gaps through targeted export-oriented programs, ensuring a more inclusive environment for women in international trade.”
EDB is also working to integrate gender mainstreaming into the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), reinforcing its commitment to inclusive economic growth. By collaborating with ITC SheTrades and other stakeholders, Sri Lanka aims to prioritize gender equality within its trade policies and create a more conducive environment for women entrepreneurs.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, reiterated this commitment: “Sri Lanka has made significant progress in building a more inclusive business environment for women. Since the launch of ITC SheTrades Outlook in 2019, financial literacy and gender equality policies have expanded. We look forward to continuing our partnership to unlock further opportunities for women.”
The SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub marks a transformative moment in the country’s efforts to empower women in trade, ensuring their equal participation in the nation’s economic growth.
